Last week we had a post about working 75 hour weeks. My son Tanner commented asking what is work anyway? It’s a gray area.
For example, when you get out of work, what do you do? If you go in the garage to work on your classic car, is that work? It certainly is a job that other people do for money. If you take care of the kids – some people take care of kids for a living. Is that work?
I might go in the woods with a chain saw, or strap on my carpenter tool belt, or be building or maintaining something – all things other people do for a living. Is that “work”?
My post was not to say that when you leave your work “place” or fold up your laptop for the day, that you should sit on the couch. There are always things to do – interesting things, projects, and things that are work that you do not because you get paid for it, but because you like/love it or it’s a part of maintaining your lifestyle.
The context of my saying not to work 75 hours a week was for entrepreneurs – the owner, who can easily fall into the trap of thinking they have to do too much in their business and don’t empower others to do work they used to do when the company was smaller, but graduated from as the company got bigger.
Define your job as the leader so it fits into the hours you want to work. Keep shedding duties until you can get home by the time you want to get home each day and not feel like you didn’t get all “your” work done.
Most all activity can be called “work”. Doing things because you want to feels far different than doing things because you think you “have to”.
This is a good one to ponder. Thanks, Larry.
If I had a dollar for all the time that I “worked” outside of work, I would be an extremely wealthy person. Sometimes I mix it up and confuse work with my hobbies. I refuse to do that these days.
Excellent perspective. A great way to think about it, especially from the viewpoint you f an entrepreneur.
I too am grateful for Mato Domogala.
Above post should read viewpoint of an entrepreneur.
Mark Domogala
Big topic, and one worth exploring further. Work isn’t about hours, it’s about results. You must define the results you’re seeking then decide how you will achieve them.
Go, Mark!
I appreciated both your post and Tanner’s comment. Both held valuable lessons of leadership. As leaders we need to learn to let go to grow and to lead others. We also need to remember to appreciate the work we are doing whatever it is. It reminds me of the saying “Before enlightenment, chop wood carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood carry water”
Grateful for both perspectives.
Bravo to your son. Very thoughtful question.