I’m practicing the art of working less right now. It seems now that my writing and blogging portfolio is relatively solid, I can afford to cruise for a bit. But it’s a gift lathered in guilt for me (and I would wager for many entrepreneurs); after a stretch of days of only 2 or 3 hours of work per day, I feel like I’m slacking off. I should be doing more.
I’m keeping on top of everything, but I still feel like maybe I should get ahead a bit, or start one of the new projects that are percolating inside of me.
Then I sit back.
I’m in the Caribbean.
I’m only working 2 or 3 hours a day (every day, mind you) and I’m staying on top of things.
Yet I feel guilty.
It’s almost like the 9-5 world has (still) ingrained itself in me enough that I don’t feel “worthy” if I don’t put in my 8 hours a day.
But I also think there’s more to it than that; I’ve been musing on my addition to the digital world (as much as it’s necessary for my living), and I’ve been wondering if I need a little weaning.
So, with this I wrestle – the constant paradox of travel, and work-life balance.
Here are two very relevant articles: one about the chemically addictive digital world and the new generations who are repercussions of it, and another about guilt – in this case, the guilt factor that plays into tracking our expenses.
Wise Bread
The Digital Detox: How and Why to Do It
Addiction to digital devices is a real thing. If you’re considering taking a break from your iStuff, learn what to expect ― and the benefits you can reap.
Care One
The Biggest Pitfall to Tracking Your Expenses
There’s a white elephant in the room; a dirty secret that most of us who track our expenses have faced…or run away from. It derails all budgets and makes setting achievable goals almost impossible. Read on to find out what it is and how to combat it.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
2 or 3 hours? I get by on 1 hour a day – any more and I feel I’m being inefficient.
Simon – Do you mean an hour of strictly online time, or an hour in total (including writing time)? I guess either way, in West Africa, you get used to making your online time really count!
I was being a little facetious…about one hour of laptop time/day (on and off line). But I am doing all sorts of other work – hacking, chopping, building and so on. I read about one country, can’t remember which, where if you didn’t finish work at 5pm, you were considered inefficient and were disciplined. I like that concept!
Ooh – I like that – a country which disciplines (rather than rewards, or worse: expects) long hours!
I’m pretty sure not too many Grenadians are looking for extra hours either. Although, the lady who runs the local shop near me starts cooking before the sun rises and works right into the night, before returning home to her seven boys. So it’s not like people here are afraid of work – but I guess it has to be work for the right people and the right reasons. Putting in overtime making widgets isn’t quite the same as running your own shop or building your own house/retreat.
I just started reading your posts and I feel like im looking at a reflection of my soul. At times I have similar ‘guilt’ feelings… um and all I have to say is just u writing and doing what u do, and how u do it, inspires people like me… so there should be no guilt there. thanks!!!
Aw…shucks…..thanks Steph!
Great blog man!