I was musing over this concept of a "soft" life in the bathroom, a place where most great ideas and epiphanies occur, and it struck me that this thinking of a "soft" and "easy" life is leading to more problems than solutions. Hustle culture seems to be OUT as I write this (in 2023), and "lazy" and high paying jobs are the IN fad. I don't believe their really is a such thing as a "lazy" job no matter the price point. There are advantages and drawbacks to every thing. I do understand where this line of thinking is coming from of why burn yourself out when its not necessary? In self-help literature, burnout has really picked up steam and the word has somewhat lost its importance. Burnout was sparingly used when I was growing up in the 1990s because I honestly believe most working adults just put up with the unrealistic work expectations, lack of work and personal life balance stress, and sub-par pay increases because everyone else seemed to be. Especially working class families, such as my family, who felt they had no other choice but to just put up with it or risk destitution. This working class upbrining and wanting better for the next generations I feel though has led to young working adults wanting a soft life of making decent money but having all the latest gadgets/trends and taking vacays but not being able to afford these things without taking on exorbitant amounts of debt. And let's say your content with your "soft" life because you live below or within your means. Are you learning any thing new? Are you participating in old or new hobbies? Living a "soft" life is synonymous with "safe" life which can lead to feeling complacent and increase risk of life dissatisfaction, and you guessed it, feelings of burnout.
To combat this I am not encouraging a no work-life balance. I am suggesting becoming attuned to your values, searching for purpose and aspirations. I am asking what would you do if you didn't have to work? What would your mornings, afternoons, and evenings look like? What would you do on the weekends? How would your life look different? And after you have asked yourself this then live it. Start doing the things you want to do. Not pushing outside of the comfort zone continues a feeling of constant unfulfillment. I am taking my own advice and trying to incorporate more novelty into my daily week routine. One morning I will go to a beautiful scenic point in town and drink coffee or go for a short walk. One day a month, I choose to join a local womens group. Make your days more colorful and adventureous. Get out of the soft life and embrace the messiness.
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