According to a recent study conducted by the Center for American Progress, Americans now consider a 40-hour work week as “part time” in most professional jobs and as a sign of a stagnant career.As a professional writer, college instructor, and owner of a small publishing company, I find myself working 70-80 hours per week, and still feeling that it isn’t enough. We are often told as authors that we must have at least 10,000 followers (Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc.) but with social media reciprocation, this means that we also are following 10,000 people. How do you follow 10,000 people? And who is deceiving who?
With the inherited work ethic from our parents and the pressure of social media from our peers, most 21st century professionals “live lives of quiet desperation” neglecting family, friends, and our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
When you look back in history at all those brave men and women who fought so valiantly for the 8-hour work day and the 40-hour work week, it boggles the mind that we have now turned back the clock and re-shackled ourselves to their bondage. What would they think if they could see us now? We don’t have time for recreation. We don’t have time for our families. We don’t have time to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. We don’t have time to go to church or take a stroll around the block or watch a sunset.
We see the problem but is it really possible to reinvent the 40-hour work week and make it a practical and sustainable lifestyle while still being successful in our chosen careers?
I say, “Yes!”
If we step away from our computers at 5:00 PM every day and stay away from them for two full days, what is the worst thing that could happen?
What is the best thing that could happen?
Want to join me in this grand adventure – and find out?
Dorene Meyer
http://www.dorenemeyer.com/
http://www.goldrockpress.com/
Author of Missy to be released March 26: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-11168/Northern-Writers----Launch-of-Five-New-Books
