Live to Work - Work to Live??

[Paul F]

Do we live to work in this nation of ours??

What I mean is, do we allow ourselves enough time to enjoy other things besides work.

[deep psychological mode]

Im a firm believer in the power of the one. I think that all humans beans possess abilities far beyond how most of us operate now.

(take the shaolin monks as an example of increased neural activity)

As a result I believe everyone should be able to enjoy fields outside of the usual routine ie. the arts.

Before I found dancing I read a lot of poetry. Both of these come under the umbrella of 'the arts' and I feel so much better for having found both of them. My feeling is that I have learned more from these than any university course. Maybe not about software engineering but of things much more important.

[/deep psychological mode]

Do we spend too much time working and not enough on aspects of life that could enhance us as people??

OR

Is it a case that not everyone has the ability to enjoy the arts??

Is a life of 'living to work' good? Maybe some people couldnt survive without work?

[Pammy]

Originally posted by Paul F
all humans beans possess abilities far beyond how most of us operate now.

I know Boomers do and I'm pretty sure Andy McGregor is the same

No seriously, I hate work, it pays the bills and I get to have a chat with the girls, but that's about all. I don't feel at all fulfilled in my current career.

With regard to "Is it a case that not everyone has the ability to enjoy the arts??" is it not more that, when you look at the very rich, or famous, sometimes I feel that they've enjoyed too much and without a mundane job like, say mine, going out for an evenings dancing wouldn't be half as enjoyable if it wasn't for the job itself.

In answer to the final question, I definitely work to live!

[Jive Brummie]

All my pals who work in offices behind desks all seem to put work before anything else and it absolutely baffles me. As a result they all seem to be stressed out, tired, miserable etc etc.

What's that all about eh??

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally posted by Jive Brummie

What's that all about eh??

Some people somehow manage to work and not have much of a social life other than tv or the pub every night, ive known so many people like that. Shame! Even all my unfulfilled dreams are better than having no dreams at all . Theres a perfect job out there for everybody, somewhere, even the boring people .


Brilliant signature James

[TheTramp]

I was always work to live down in London.

Now, with going back to college to study something I've always been interested in, and my 'work' being something I love doing, the quality of life has increased an immeasurable amount for me.

Life is good

Steve

[Jive Brummie]

So what do you think is more important then, job satisfaction or money in the bank??

James....

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Jive Brummie
So what do you think is more important then, job satisfaction or money in the bank??

I think that it changes throughout your working life. Although, obviously both would be nice!

For me, right now, I'm just going for enjoying life. (I think that you can do that while studying law ).

When I finish studying, then I'll be going for the money in the bank option. After all, my working life from then on will only be 20-25 years (I'll be 40 when I finish). And I'd like to have enough for a house, marriage and kids (if I can find anyone stupid enough), and my retirement.

Then it's back to the 'having fun' option I hope

Steve

[Lounge Lizard]

good timing
Last Monday I told my workforce the company is closing I am fed up with the hassle with running a building company.
I have earnt lots, lost lots and for the last twelve months stood still financialy (i.e. made no money! - so anyone want a van I have 9 of the buggers to get rid off
Peter no longer a builder more of a dance teacher and dj.

[Martin]

"Is a life of 'living to work' good? Maybe some people couldn’t survive without work?"


Firstly it really amazes me how people view this.
I choose not to work at the moment - It seems to be the people around me that find this hard to grasp. (no I do not take goverment hadouts)

One person looked at me incredulously and say "I couldn't do that, what do you do all day" - She still keeps asking me when am I going to get a job and do something "useful"

Last week one girl got really upset when she asked me what I do for work and I said "nothing - I don't work" she thought I was not prepared to tell her for some reason.

People oh so love to pigien hole you by your chosen work situation.

Originally posted by TheTramp
I think that it changes throughout your working life. Although, obviously both would be nice!

For me, right now, I'm just going for enjoying life. (I think that you can do that while studying law ).

When I finish studying, then I'll be going for the money in the bank option. After all, my working life from then on will only be 20-25 years (I'll be 40 when I finish). And I'd like to have enough for a house, marriage and kids (if I can find anyone stupid enough), and my retirement.

Then it's back to the 'having fun' option I hope

Steve

My past experience much like the Tramps, sometimes I used to work for fun, sometimes for the money.

When starting up my own companies = money
When training management skills, dance skills = fun

[Jon L]

)Unfortunately the majority of us have to earn a crust in order to dance.

It's a fact of life if you add the bills up, lets assume you dance 3 times a week

Entrance fees approx £20 per week
Drinks bills per night £25 per week (assuming you dont take your own in )

Fuel to venues assume say 20 miles each way if you're keen thats 120 miles per week = £10

Therefore total jive bill = £55 * 4 = £220 per month

£220 * 12 = £2640 per year. This excludes say Camber and Bognor and if you attended those £100 * 3 approx = £300 = £2940 per year. Plus videos and comps = approx £3200


If I didn't work there's no way I could afford to dance - sad fact of life


(appologies if the arithmetic is a bit suspect - I have been round my sister and brother in law and had a couple of Mr. Lizard's super strength Buds )

[Martin]

Originally posted by Jon L
)

£220 * 12 = £2640 per year. This excludes say Camber and Bognor and if you attended those £100 * 3 approx = £300 = £2940 per year. Plus videos and comps = approx £3200

Got it cheep mate, wonder what others spend?

I have never done a day by day breakdown but can hazard a guess for last year..

Comp in Melbourne - flight $250, accomadation $160, taxis $120, entrance to comp $45
Camber May - flight $3450, car hire 1200 pounds, entrance to Ceroc comp ? Can't remember
Comp in Brisbane - flight $230, accomadation $300, taxis $120, entrance to comp $50
Comp in Canberra $30 petrol, entrance $85
Comp in Sydney * 2, entrance $65
Plus costumes
2 balls $180
Learning routines $200
Plus loads of cash hiring halls for practice, twice a week. $$$

On top off that there is the weekly costs you mentioned



Best stop there, too scary - tried once to break costs down but got too depressing so I never try now.

Just off to a Lindy week-end in Lismore, flight, accomadation, entrance - there goes another $1000 plus



Does anyone keep an accurate costing?

[Paul F]

Originally posted by Dreadful Scathe
...... Even all my unfulfilled dreams are better than having no dreams at all .

Fantastic sentece that. Really sums up a great way to look at it.

Also great news Steve that you are doing something you love.

It is such a shame that some people, through no fault of their own, simply cannot get access to things like dancing due to lack of money.
They really are missing out on so much that should be available to everyone.

I wish I had the money to open up a 'free' venue Not likely unfortunately!

[Chris]

The Australians, I'm told, have a better crack at this than the Brits. When I was applying for jobs there they warned me, "Brits can clean up here cos they work hard as a way of life, but Australians work so they can go 'down the beach' and remember there's nothing wrong with that".

Ive had high paid jobs and don't miss them, but these days I'd be happy to live on brown rice (mostly) if I can somehow find a way to cover the cost of more dancing (and pref a couple of long haul hols a year).

Sponsors very welcome - name on the back of a large cheque please!

[Bill]

I still quite enjoy my job but having been here for nearly 18 years it's not the same as a few years ago.

In terms of priority my social life is far more important than work. It provides me with the money I need to enjoy life and I give a reasonable days work for the money ( I think) but having fun, going to cinema, dancing are all much more important to me.

At the moment I'm studying on top of working so my free time is taken up with weekend course once a month, dancing in Edinburgh once a month and unfortunately can't get to the cinema as often as I did last year ( about once a week) so it's Tango on Monday, Ceroc on Tuesday and Thursday, study Wednesday and on Fridays head down to Edinburgh or bit more studying, Saturday usually dance and Sunday read papers, study and catch up with the domestic 'stuff'.

Like Martin I can't understand the people who wonder how I'd spend my days if I didn't work .........dancing, reading, cinema, meeting friends, having fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But obviously many of these do require money but I'd live with less to have a better quality of life............I'm only here for a short while

[horsey_dude]

Originally posted by Chris
"Brits can clean up here cos they work hard as a way of life, but Australians work so they can go 'down the beach' and remember there's nothing wrong with that".
:

I chuckled when I read that because I had been told I would have no trouble working in the U.K. because "english people are incredibly lazy". Everyone I talked to who had worked here said that english people (in office jobs) did hardly any work and dissapeared down the pub every friday afternoon and didn't come back. It just goes to show that you shouldn't believe everything that you hear!

I really enjoy my work and am happy to have a job. If I didn't I would do something else. So many people stay in careers chosen by an ignorant teenager (themselves) when there are many other jobs the would be happier (and better paid) doing.

My goal is to become financially independant and retire by age 45 so I am still young enough to travel the world, but just in case I should somehow die before then, I want to make the most of every day! and that include doing a job that I enjoy.

HD.

carpe dancing girl

[Martin]

Like Martin I can't understand the people who wonder how I'd spend my days if I didn't work .........dancing, reading, cinema, meeting friends, having fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But obviously many of these do require money but I'd live with less to have a better quality of life............I'm only here for a short while - From Bill

My sentiments exactly , my parents were in "safe" jobs, headmaster and teacher... they retired a few years before thier time was up (a wise move) they now spend 1/2 thier time on "holidays" and dance twice a week, are in indoor bowls leagues, do very well!, and play regular bridge with friends. They are now 75 and still going - probably because they refused to lay down and die...

Originally posted by horsey_dude

My goal is to become financially independant and retire by age 45 so I am still young enough to travel the world, but just in case I should somehow die before then, I want to make the most of every day! and that include doing a job that I enjoy.

100% with you horsey dude - my idea since the age of 21. BUT you have to do something about it as well.

My day time job, was to provide day to day stuff, you have to do more than that, invest and take risks. My parents were SOOO worried about me:sorry

Now at the age of 40 and "retired" they understand all the risks I took and the investments I made.

[Hevmate]

I work to live, and although my job is easy and can spend a good oart of the day messing around on here the job is dull. I truly wish I knew what it is that I am meant to do I'd happily go and learn something new. The only job I've done which Im proud of is Rock Bottoms , I love that but you cant live of it. To those who know me ....taking in regard I have bugger all qualifications, but can pick things up reasonably well, waddyatink I should do for a living ? Anyone suggesting litter picker will be severly punished.

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Hevmate
Anyone suggesting litter picker will be severly punished.

We'd never suggest that....

Though, we would if you got a few more qualifications

I think that you should definitely do something in entertainment Hev. Ideally suited.... Though, I have no idea what would pay well enough.

Steve

[Hevmate]

.... qualifications in what tho????

[Emma]

I'm currently in the situation of having to re-asses my financial situation (income=pants) so that I can support myself once again in the Big Bad world. A couple of years ago I did a job which left me at the end of the week with just about enough energy to raise a gin and tonic on the sofa. I could go back to the same job and be pretty secure financially, but I know I'd end up in the same situation - i.e. all work and no play....and I just can't do that to myself. I'd rather have less money, and keep my friends and my social life. Both are far more important to me.....