Why do you work?

[MoseyWalker]

[Mike03]

1. My vote was partially facetious

Human beings created the entire concept of work for profit or monetary value. We are trained that if we work, then our lives have value and meaning. I seriously question whether this is the intelligent way to spend our short, precious lives, but by the same token, I am aware that our system is structured and so rigged that the only way to survive, for most people, is to slave away for a minimal existence. We also face a serious recession in the coming years, that is going to test us as we have never been tested before.

Human beings have either been deceived by nature (and by their own minds) or are incredibly ignorant.

[mad-mommy]

10. so how do you change this...

I mean , this can apply to all things, not just work...how do you change to focus on value and meaning?

[Mike03]

13. I have no idea

The inability to escape this type of trap is to my way of thinking the absolute worst trap of human nature. I'm sure we were not put here to suffer, but I don't have any way yet to alleviate the suffering of this world. It is just overwhelming. Every day, every news story, is overwhelming.

[mad-mommy]

14. trapped...

trapped, yes, good way to explain how I feel, about my own circumstances, and everyone else's. None of the things out there do it for me, meditation, religion/prayer, breathing, exercise, snapping my wrist with a rubber band, writing my feelings down in a journal, that lasted 2 days. I think being pro-active is key, doing something even on a small level, volunteer etc.

[Mike03]

15. This will surely sound corny, but a big change for me came when

I began setting my alarm for about three or three thirty in the morning and doing yoga and some weight lifting, and trying very very hard to be grateful for the little bit i have in this life. I realized that most of the time I was obsessed with the past or the future, and really was not appreciative of the world as it really is.

You know, it is like every day is a challenge, but I am trying to hard and I am determined to succeed.

Good luck.

[mad-mommy]

16. I'll figure it out, but

I give you a lot of credit to get up that early.

[Broken_Hero]

2. Money....nt

[Redstone]

3. 1) Because it beats the bejabbers out of starving

2) Because not working is lazy, and laziness is a sin. Even if you don't HAVE to work for a living, at least do some volunteer work, you damn dilettante.

3) Because I truly enjoy the work that I do. I'd do it even if it didn't matter if I got paid for it. In other words, if I didn't ned the income, I'd continue doing the same stuff, but free for nonprofits and social-cause groups.

4) If you don't work, you get lazy. Then you get stupid, and then you get self-centered.

Redstone

[mad-mommy]

4. does being a stay at home mom count as work?

[Mike03]

5. In My Book

It definitely does. You not only get the chance to raise your own consciousness, but the task of raising a child's consciousness as well. That would feel really good.

[mad-mommy]

7. I used to work..

I used to work part time with my first son, but circumstances changed, and after the birth of my 2nd son, I had to quit, and I found the adjustment a bit difficult. I was doing some part time work in the eve at my old job, but they didn't need me anymore. I'm looking for something in the evening, as the day cares here have waiting lists.

[Mike03]

9. Best of Luck to you

You sound like an awesome, caring person.

It is very hard to adjust to new circumstances, but hopefully over time we can get better and better at it.

[qnr]

6. Other: No money involved, but I love what I "work" at n/t

[reyd reid reed]

8. I'm not gonna kid you, I need the money

But I'm lucky. I love my job and actually like most of the people I work with. I don't dread coming in to work each day.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

11. I love my work...

Sure, it's got its ups and downs. And for the most part it doesn't pay enough. But I love it. I really do. :nopity:

[mad-mommy]

12. It's good to hear that for a change

[elocs]

17. I work simply to make money.

I only work as much as I need to in order to provide for my simple lifestyle. The work I choose to do does not define me as a human being, it just allows me to make money. I am 54 and I have never found anything that I really wanted to do for a living and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I don't worry about it anymore.

[NJCher]

18. you forgot

"because I love my work."

My work makes me feel like I'm giving something back and accomplishing an important task, plus it is challenging and interesting.

Numerous people on this thread expressed their love for their work and it overs my reason for working, too.




Cher