Are we living in a world of Workaholics?
In a world where ‘the norm’ has long been a pursuit of work-life balance, a shift is emerging. We are beginning to become aware that there is only life. And work is simply part of it.
Why? Because we no longer want to live in a world of workaholics defined by what we do for a living. Sure, we need to pay our bills. But we no longer want to put our lives on hold to achieve our bucket lists someday or wait for retirement. There is a much more vibrant tapestry of life calling our hearts to see what is possible.
More of us are questioning everything. And in doing so, we move away from the traditional path of pursuing a career, buying a house, and raising a family—the formula that has created generations of workaholics.
Historically, societal systems have urged conformity, conditioning us to fragment ourselves into professional and personal selves. The promise of eternal happiness was often tied to attaining a job, an approach that is increasingly seen as a myth.
We're realizing that work and life aren't separate entities but are interconnected aspects of our whole selves.
In this changing landscape, our lives take centre stage, guided by values and life choices. This shift is not limited to millennials; people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are also evaluating their life choices, seeking more than material success and high-status jobs.
The concept of "life working" and being a lifaholic merges as an antidote to the conventional work-centric lifestyle. It's about showing up in life as a complete person, where work is a part of life, not the entirety. It involves making choices that resonate with our hearts rather than just our minds. This shift is about listening to our hearts and seeking purpose and meaning in all aspects of life.
The drive to climb the corporate ladder or accumulate more and more material possessions is no longer a driving force in our lives. It's about finding joy in the simple things, like the woman who, despite her son's Cystic Fibrosis, finds strength and purpose in her role as a patient advocate. It's about asking children what they love instead of what they want to be, encouraging all of us to pursue our passions through experimentation.
This paradigm shift acknowledges that success is not just about reaching professional goals but about finding fulfilment in various life aspects. Children, witnessing parents and grandparents make sacrifices for career success, question the trade-offs required to reach the top. There is an increased desire for a more holistic approach to truly experiencing life: discovering our wonder, trekking into the unknown and trusting our hearts.
There is a lifeaholic in each of us as we shift from pursuing a mythical work-life balance to creating a life of purpose and meaning. It's about making continuous choices that align with our true selves, not waiting to be chosen by an employer or society. We recognize the importance of connection, community, and co-creation, moving away from the scarcity mindset of fear and competition.
We learn to co-create and forge unlikely partnerships with creators. We remember how powerful we are and no longer give our power away in a divided world. Are you being called to experience life as a wild adventure where work is just a part, and to make choices that lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life?
In this new world that is emerging, we free ourselves from outdated modes of thinking, embracing life as one integrated, meaningful journey. We are lifeaholics, not workaholics, pursuing our passions and purpose in every aspect of our lives. This is the future of a healthy, vibrant world where we are all connected and thriving.
The next time you introduce yourself, consider sharing who you truly are and why you are here. And maybe engage in conversations about what we can create together?
Is the lifeaholic adventure calling you?
Make a change, and join the Remote Rebellion!👇
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
This week’s article is credited to Ayelet Baron
