Have You Built a Life Bigger Than Your Work?

Labor Day is a good opportunity to think about work-life balance—not just how much we work, but how much of our lives we allow work to occupy.

Work matters. It gives us the “daily bread,” as American writer, historian, actor, and broadcaster Studs Terkel put it, but it can also give us meaning, purpose, relationships, and a sense that we’re contributing something worthwhile. The danger is when we ask work to provide all of those things.

Research on psychological detachment from work suggests that people who are better able to mentally leave work when they’re not working report greater life satisfaction and less psychological strain. And importantly, they aren’t any less engaged in their jobs.

Rest doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing, either. It might mean running, reading, cooking, coaching your kid’s team, learning something new, or spending time with people you care about. Sometimes rest is simply doing something that reminds you that you’re more than the thing you do for a living.

So this Labor Day, here’s the question I’m thinking about:

Have I built a life that’s bigger than my work?

For me personally, I would have to answer yes. I have several fun hobbies, am involved in my local community, have lots and lots of quality time with my family, and a few side gigs that provide me with enough challenge to keep things interesting.

Here is another challenge for you on this Labor Day: Make a list of five things that make you you that have nothing to do with your job.

Then ask yourself:

Am I giving enough time and attention to those parts of my life?

Meaningful work is a wonderful thing. But meaningful work inside a meaningful life? That’s even better.

Question?

We would love to hear about the changes in your life – connect with me at nathan@leadershipvisionconsulting.com.