People who live to work are motivated by professional success. They want to move up within their industry, secure their dream job, and be respected by their managers and peers.
Conversely, people who work to live perform their best at work and home. They spend enough time at work to pay their bills and save for the future while carving out time for family and personal interests. Because work is a means to an end, these people prioritize being present in their lives rather than significant promotions and/or career progression.
Characteristics of People Who Live to Work
People who live to work love what they do and find joy in their careers:
- These people appreciate the opportunities to develop their skills, overcome challenges, and grow professionally.
- They are driven, ambitious, and thrive under pressure.
- The individuals continuously expand their knowledge, skills, and abilities to become the best in their field.
- They stay connected to their responsibilities and projects during long weekends and vacations.
- These people enjoy networking, participating in conferences, and taking on additional tasks.
Characteristics of People Who Work to Live
People who work to live view their jobs as something they do to earn money to live on now and in retirement:
- These people enjoy their work and pursue their passions.
- They earn money for leisure activities and retirement.
- Work is not the end-all, be-all of life.
- The individuals devote time to professional and personal activities that matter to them.
Common Impressions of People Who Live to Work
People who live to work often appear not to have a personal life:
- These people’s relationships likely suffer because of their workaholic tendencies.
- They appear to lack hobbies, activities, and interests outside their jobs.
- The individuals usually find joy and happiness in their jobs rather than other people.
Common Impressions of People Who Work to Live
People who work to live might appear to prefer to stay where they are in their careers rather than sacrifice personal time for additional responsibilities and income:
- These people typically disconnect from their devices during leisure time rather than focus on work and promotions.
- They could remain in a job because of the income and set hours rather than find a more fulfilling role.
Importance of Work-Life Structure for Everyone
People can pursue high professional goals while maintaining time for personal activities. The key is structuring work and personal interests and maintaining boundaries between them:
- Find a meaningful job that pays well, provides flexibility, and offers advancement opportunities that meet your personal goals.
- Communicate work-life boundaries, willingness to work overtime, and the need for schedule adjustments to accommodate personal needs.
- Develop healthy relationships for thriving at work and home.
Tips for Work-Life Structure
The following tips support a healthy work-life structure:
- Redefine “high-priority” tasks: Not every task is urgent. Some tasks can be done later, delegated, or deleted.
- Learn to say “no”: Turn down requests that do not fit your schedule or interests.
- Track your time: Determine how long each task takes, then schedule your time accordingly or ask for help.
- Stay focused: Practice mindfulness to finish your current task rather than think about other tasks.
- Prioritize rest: Take regular breaks away from your desk and an hour for lunch. Engage in relaxing activities such as walking, meditation, or reading. Schedule time for personal activities outside of work hours.
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