Work? Optional
If money were out of the equation, would you still work? If yes, why, and how much? If not, what would you do with your free time?
A question very dear to my heart I would say…I am a full time working woman and have always wanted to be one from childhood. So has it been a bed of roses all the way? Definitely not. And was it for the money? Let me try and answer that.
I would not say a straightforward “no”. The money has helped, I would be lying if I say it has not. Work makes me financially independent which I feel is the mother of all other kinds of independence, an umbrella under which all relationships also are nurtured and nourished without this particular element being thrown in and coloring everything. I think even emotional independence comes from this. Luckily I have a great spouse who echoes these views. Thank you, Rajiv.
To me, working is a way of life. It brings meaning and purpose to my day, my thoughts and my life. It gives me my own circle of existence, one that contains my colleagues, some friends, my patients and my own small achievements. Achievements that the world knows nothing about – and needs to know nothing about either – just small day to day challenges that life throws at me, which I overcome and bash on, regardless, day after day. It keeps boredom at bay and keeps me focused. It has given me an identity I have worked for and am happy about.
Today’s prompt says money is out of the equation. Then would I work? This answer is easy! Yes…. because I get much more than money from my work. It gives me a sense of being “me”. It makes me feel I make a difference.To a person, an institution a society. My work makes a smile that much brighter, handshake that much firmer, a look that much softer, when a patient says thank you, not always in as many words. No job comes without drawbacks and setbacks, but overcoming them makes me feel that much stronger …that much more confident.
I am an Obs Gyn Specialist and while it is one of the most demanding jobs I can think of, I find it as rewarding too. And to that extent I love my job. Yes I do get tired at times – it can be exasperating even, but I love the high, that being who I am at work gives me.
I think a lot..I worry a lot…there are times when thoughts and insecurities overwhelm me. At such times my work steadies me. Gives me something to concentrate on, create and revel in. It builds my self esteem like nothing else does.
And yes, unless I worked, how would I enjoy my “free time”? My “me-time?? If all my time was me-time, maybe I would relish it less and value it lesser. Now I look forward to breaks, be it a free evening, a free weekend or a family vacation. I love reading, writing,cooking, music, movies and chatting with my family and friends and I love doing this in my leisure time. I bond with my husband and kids over shared interests and I cherish the time I find to be with them.
After all the soul searching that has gone into this post, the bottom line is that yes, the money that my work brings with it is great but the sense of “me” that it gives me is much much greater. I am lucky to have found happiness in my work and I would have it no other way…so bring it on..whether money is in the equation or out of it. The breaks may get longer as age catches up and I catch my breath more often. But I would keep coming back for more, in whatever form I can work, till I can. Till I enjoy working. 
“Tomorrow is another day” Yay!
Ripples N Reflections 
Working for money initially to reach economic independence and later for keeping the aura of self-satiety and admiration which accompanies this, is to me what and why most of us do a “job” or work. If it were not for that we would go and work “the same type of job” in a place which no longer recognize us as the person we are, rather for the “job doer” we are. You Keep writing. You inspire me to look beyond “me”.
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That sounds fantastic ..an echo of what I felt….great to know that you related to it so well… n good to see u on Word Press…Welcome to the world of words!
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Very well said. I can’t imagine what your life would have been without your hectic work schedule!! And if I may add – mine too. Don’t really relish the idea of being nagged constantly by a bored, nothing to do some one.
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While I understand your point of view, it is a popular one, I’m not sure I agree. People tend to get their identities through work, and I find this confusing. Should we be receiving identities as lawyers, garbage men, teachers? I did work, but no longer do. It is by choice. I was/am a single parent of four, and their was no job, no identity, stronger or greater than that of parent. For me. I love my down time, just because I’m not ‘working’ doesn’t mean I have nothing to do or my days are squandered or boring. Do I miss work? Sometimes, but not often. I have financial and emotional independence, I have annoyances, and thank you’s, I make a difference, especially to those who matter most in my life,and I feel I’ve made the right choices for me and my family. People who don’t or can’t respect this, are exhibiting the same prejudices as those who don’t understand why people work. Broadway plays, movies and great books. In fact I’ve written one myself. I’m quite proud of my life and my children’s lives. What could be more important than that?
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts Wendy…
I have no prejudice whatsoever….
Its all a matter of choice…. you’ve made your choice and you are happy. that’s great! I have made my choice… let me be, too!
Having said that I love making a difference to my family more than anything else… This particular prompt asked me if and why I like to work.
No one can ever have it all. Happy choices is the name of the game.
Keep smiling… you are a happy person, which is the aim of every activity – Stay Happy….. Here are some more of my thoughts on home and life..maybe you would like to read it… looking forward to lively discussions on these pages….
https://ripplesnreflectiontimes.wordpress.com/2014/07/05/can-we-have-it-all/
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You are getting better at this by the day…A brilliant word weaver. I am glad that expressing yourself here and sharing your views brings you a great sense of satisfaction and happiness. My daily staple food for thought!!!
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I admire your passion for your work. I believe that once we take a decision we should never regret later in life. Tarun feels bad for me when he finds me to start from scratch in every new school I join. He thinks my fashion designing studies got wasted because of instability in our lives but I have lived a far better & quality life…….totally adventurous and meaningful which my most of friends envy of !! I enjoy my work, job ,passion whatever you call it.
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