There is an old concept that remains a driving force in the lives of many people around the world in all walks of life that keeps us “working for a living”. Unfortunately, this mindset of working for a living, making ends meet and just paying the bills has snuffed out many lives unfulfilled for hundreds of generations.
However, the world is changing in so many ways and as such many lives and perceptions are shifting as well. The new perception of maintaining a balanced work life “lifestyle” is becoming more and more sought after in the life/work force. People are no longer, willing to sacrifice their own well being and life to a meaningless job to just make money… they seek purpose, fulfillment and autonomy.
By definition: Working to make a living and working to build a life represent two distinct approaches to the concept of work, each carrying its own implications for personal fulfillment, purpose, and overall well-being.
When one works to make a living, the primary focus is on meeting immediate financial needs and sustaining oneself and/or dependents. This is the rudimentary element of survivial. The emphasis is often on securing employment that provides a steady income to cover essential expenses such as food, shelter, and basic amenities. This perspective tends to prioritize the practical aspects of work, such as earning a wage, meeting job requirements, and ensuring financial stability. While working to make a living is essential for survival and economic security, it may also lead to a sense of routine, monotony, and the perception of work as a means to an end rather than a source of personal fulfillment or growth.
There are countless examples of how people work just to earn a living, reflecting the basic economic need to support oneself and one’s family. Listed below are several general examples:
1. **Office Jobs**: Millions of individuals clock in daily at corporate offices, doing everything from administrative tasks, accounting, customer service, to information technology maintenance. They work the standard 9-to-5 jobs, and the only thing they can look forward to is the weekend and vacations.
2. **Service Industry Workers**: Many people work in the service industry, including positions in food service as wait staff or cooks, those in retail as cashiers or sales associates, and others in hospitality, like housekeepers and front desk staff at hotels.
3. **Manual Laborers**: This group includes construction workers, factory assembly line workers, and warehouse workers who engage in physically demanding tasks to build infrastructure, manufacture products, and manage logistics.
4. **Healthcare Professionals**: Nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides often work long hours under stressful conditions to provide care to patients. Their primary motivation can be to earn a living, although this is often coupled with a strong desire to help others.
5. **Teachers and Educators**: From kindergarten teachers to university professors, educators invest time in preparing lessons, grading, and teaching with the aim of earning a salary while still contributing to society by educating the next generation.
6. **Freelancers and Gig Economy Workers**: A growing number of people are freelancers or gig workers, taking on different projects or tasks such as graphic design, writing, or driving for ride-share companies, all to make a living wage.
7. **Small Business Owners**: Many people run their own businesses, from corner stores to online shops, working long hours to sustain their operations and earn a living, often with the hope of growing their business over time.
8. **Farmers and Agricultural Workers**: People working in agriculture spend their days planting, tending, and harvesting crops, as well as raising livestock, with the goal of making enough to sustain themselves and their families.
9. **Public Sector Employees**: Individuals working for local, state, or federal governments in roles like public works, administration, and regulatory bodies work to maintain infrastructure, provide services to citizens, and enforce laws, all the while earning a paycheck.
10. **Artists and Musicians**: While some may see their creative endeavors as a calling, many artists and musicians also work to sell their art, perform at events, or teach classes to earn a living.
Each of these categories includes people with diverse backgrounds and motivations. Some may find great fulfillment and purpose in their careers, while others might primarily view their jobs as a means to an end. Regardless of the specific role or industry, the common thread is the necessity to earn money to cover living expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and savings for the future.
On the other hand, working to build a life involves a broader and more holistic approach to the role of work in one’s existence. It encompasses the pursuit of a career or vocation that aligns with one’s values, passions, and long-term aspirations. In this context, work is seen as an integral part of a fulfilling and meaningful life, with the potential to contribute to personal growth, self-expression, and the realization of one’s potential. Working to build a life may involve seeking opportunities for professional and personal development, pursuing creative endeavors, and making choices that reflect a deeper sense of purpose beyond financial gain.
So even though many may be working to “make a living” here are some examples of how at the same time, with a different mindset and outlook on our job/career/vocation we can additionally be working to “build a life.”
Building a life encompasses a wide range of actions and decisions individuals take to establish stability, pursue fulfillment, and realize personal ambitions. Here are several examples of how people might work towards these goals:
1. **Education**: People invest time in education, whether it’s formal schooling, online courses, or self-teaching, to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for career opportunities and intellectual growth.
2. **Career Building**: Individuals often work to build a career by starting in entry-level positions, networking, seeking mentorship, and continually learning to climb the professional ladder.
3. **Financial Planning**: Saving money, budgeting, investing wisely, and planning for retirement are all key aspects of financial security that contribute to building a stable life.
4. **Health and Wellness**: Many invest in their physical and mental health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, medical check-ups, and mindfulness practices.
5. **Personal Relationships**: Building strong personal relationships with family, friends, and partners provides emotional support and contributes significantly to a fulfilling life.
6. **Homeownership**: For some, buying a home is a milestone that signifies stability and a long-term investment in their future.
7. **Hobbies and Interests**: Cultivating hobbies and interests can lead to personal satisfaction, skill development, and sometimes even career opportunities.
8. **Community Involvement**: Participating in community service, local politics, or social movements can give a sense of purpose and belonging.
9. **Entrepreneurship**: Starting a business or pursuing freelance projects allows for creative and professional autonomy and potential financial growth.
10. **Self-Discovery and Personal Growth**: Engaging in activities like travel, reading, or spiritual practices can lead to a better understanding of oneself and one’s aspirations.
11. **Legacy Creation**: Some individuals focus on creating something that will outlast them, whether it’s a business, a body of artistic work, or a charitable foundation.
12. **Environmental Stewardship**: Working to create a sustainable lifestyle and advocating for environmental protection can be part of a commitment to the future and the planet.
13. **Life Milestones**: Celebrating life milestones such as marriages, having children, and retirement are often significant markers in the journey of building a life.
Each individual’s approach to building a life will vary depending on their values, cultural context, personal aspirations, and circumstances. What they all share is the intention to create a foundation from which they can derive meaning, satisfaction, and joy.
The difference between the two lies in their underlying motivations, mindsets and outcomes. Working to make a living is driven by the necessity to meet immediate material needs, while working to build a life is motivated by the desire to create a meaningful and fulfilling existence. While the former addresses the practicalities of survival, the latter embraces a broader vision of personal growth, contribution to society, and the pursuit of happiness.
Ultimately, the distinction between working to make a living and working to build a life underscores the deeper significance of work in the human experience. By recognizing the broader potential of work to enhance well-being, foster personal growth, and contribute to a life of purpose, individuals can strive to create a more enriching and fulfilling relationship with their chosen vocations.