World, Writing, Wealth discussion
Wealth & Economics
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Work or walk?
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Since I like to work with my hands I would choose some type of artisan pursuit. Fine carpentry and cabinet making for sure, as wood is such a wonderful material to work with and can be crafted into objects that are both useful and beautiful. Glass making is another craft I find fascinating. Aside from that, I also want a body shop so I can buy classic muscle cars and restore them. Historic restoration of old houses is another trade that would be both interesting and rewarding.
I'm retired. I worked for thirty years as a high school teacher, and it wasn't easy, so I feel that I fulfilled my obligations and earned my retirement. I'm never bored. I have a list of things I want to accomplish every day. I check some off and move the rest to the next day. No rush, which is the great thing about being retired. I take care of my family and still have some time to read and garden. Here's a question: Have you ever been bored?
Scout wrote: "Here's a question: Have you ever been bored? ..."In childhood - in that historic period of 2 channel TV and close to zero kids programs, limited access to books, sometimes no relatives or other kids available - probably pretty often -:)
Currently - very rarely, limited to waiting in lines, hospitalization, flights (boredom/anxiety), stuff like that...
In my childhood there was no TV, but on the whole I was not bored. Kids got together in groups and played various games, usually involving a ball of some description.In medieval times, I think everyone would be working too hard. There was probably leisure time in winter, but the rest of the year was devoted to making sure you had enough food, etc, to get through the winter. There were a number of famines going around then, and what with plagues, wars, and whatever, I don't think I would like to be there at all.
And what do you think: do you see work as a must in itself or just the means to achieve certain economic goals?
I no longer work and I am retired from being a legal secretary from a law firm for 20+ years. I find things to do that I can do as I am also disabled so I have to find things to do that doesn't require lifting. I love making crafts like flower wreathes, etc. I just try to stay busy and not let myself get bored.
How about this old saw: Only boring people are bored. I tend to agree. Who wants to talk to someone who's bored? Short conversation. On the other hand, people who are interested in all kinds of things and are doing something are never boring. I'm with Marie. Get off your ass and do something. Watch the news. Read. Garden. Volunteer. Or just give time to your family. For sure, they need it.
Well, I do know a few people that refuse to bury the hatchet and accept retirement even in their nineties, which is also fine :)
I agree that working is always good, whether it's at a paid job or one you do for enjoyment. Sitting around and being bored is for wimps.
However, some claim that work/leisure ratio was tipped much more towards leisure than today: http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate...
No internet and cell phones, limited traveling and vacationing opportunities, few bards and indie authors, what did those dudes do all the time?! Probably drinking and playing didgeridoos.
It might be so that occupation wise we are heading towards scarcity of full time jobs with a big question mark how to finance voluntary or forced leisure.
But say, you've earned enough for the entire life and have nothing to worry about. Would you still work as a pastime or would you be able to fill your days with enough meaningful activity and avoid boredom and pointlessness?