I have a relative whose only ambition in life was to NOT work. It didn't matter what else he did in life, as long as it was NOT work. It was a negative ambition. I've struggled for a long time to understand but have failed.
A few years ago at a dinner in Florida, I sat next to a young entrepreneur, who had sold his internet company in 2000, right before the internet crash. At age 36, he had already netted $24 million. as he informed me in a too-loud voice. I asked him what kind of work he did now. He seemed terribly offended by that question, as it implied he might be a member of the working class and not a member of the aristocracy, I assume. Anyway, we skipped dessert, just to get away from this person.
Both as a society and as individuals, we have a complicated relationship with the notion of work or labor. Maybe, it is no more complicated than "idle hands are the devil's tools?" Maybe, we teach our kids that their only identity is their job? Maybe, we are afraid we'll spin-out-of-control if we don't work? Maybe, we prefer work to spending more time with our spouse? Maybe, we hope we won't die, if we don't retire? Maybe, retirement results in too much self-involvement? Whatever it is, I do believe that old maxim that "work never hurt anybody."
So, to those who work, whether they need to or not . . .
To those who want to work but cannot find a job . . .
To those who want to work but have physical or mental limitations . . .
To those who retire but volunteer for charity work . . .
To those who carry the burden of family while others benefit . . .
This day is for you . . . enjoy it!
But, tomorrow . . . get back to work!
A few years ago at a dinner in Florida, I sat next to a young entrepreneur, who had sold his internet company in 2000, right before the internet crash. At age 36, he had already netted $24 million. as he informed me in a too-loud voice. I asked him what kind of work he did now. He seemed terribly offended by that question, as it implied he might be a member of the working class and not a member of the aristocracy, I assume. Anyway, we skipped dessert, just to get away from this person.
Both as a society and as individuals, we have a complicated relationship with the notion of work or labor. Maybe, it is no more complicated than "idle hands are the devil's tools?" Maybe, we teach our kids that their only identity is their job? Maybe, we are afraid we'll spin-out-of-control if we don't work? Maybe, we prefer work to spending more time with our spouse? Maybe, we hope we won't die, if we don't retire? Maybe, retirement results in too much self-involvement? Whatever it is, I do believe that old maxim that "work never hurt anybody."
So, to those who work, whether they need to or not . . .
To those who want to work but cannot find a job . . .
To those who want to work but have physical or mental limitations . . .
To those who retire but volunteer for charity work . . .
To those who carry the burden of family while others benefit . . .
This day is for you . . . enjoy it!
But, tomorrow . . . get back to work!
