I had a rather long talk with my dad yesterday about work. My dad works hard and I really respect him for it. We do have slightly different views on the subject though.
Here’s a little bit of our conversation. It’s a little funny and a quite sexist, so apologies in advance.
Me: Dad, I really hate working when it doesn’t feel like theres a point to it.
Dad: God made men to work. The entire being and existence of a man depends on hard work no matter what it is. A man’s life is judged by how hard he works.
Me: I don’t agree with that. I think it’s better to work smarter than harder. And to do something you feel is worthwhile. I think life should be judged by how happy you are and how you have helped others.
Dad: Well, maybe you’re a woman then.
I laughed for several minutes after this last comment of his. I couldn’t help it. It’s clear that there is a little (or big) difference in our views.
I spent the next few minutes trying to convice him that there’s a better way, and he seemed like he was starting to come around. After all, my dad does have one of the best jobs of anyone I know. He gets paid to hunt and fish every day as a Master Maine Guide. If anyone understands doing something you love, it’s him.
But… he seems stuck on this whole mindset where manual labor and callused hands are required to be a success in life. He’s big into the whole work when you have the chance to work your hardest and enjoy yourself in your old age thing.
What do you think is more important; working tirelessly just do feel adequate as a “man”, or working on something you enjoy, even if the tangible benefits may not come as quickly?
I think you know how I feel about this :-)
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Nate!
Very encouraging to see someone else have that “talk” with their parents. I haven’t really spoken to my dad about it either. My mom on the other hand, kind of gets it, but is big on the dreaming and scheming and not so much on the hero’s action saga. (Been re-reading Martha Beck’s Finding Your North Star again)
I also just finished The Four Hour Workweek and it really pushed me into the whole enjoy your life while you can school of thought.
My point is: Work smarter, not harder or longer. Enjoy your life and cherish every experience.
PS: I found this year-old post on The Art of Manliness that got me real riled up this morning. Let me know if chafes you the same way. http://artofmanliness.com/2008/04/17/finding-yourself-is-a-crock/
Nate,
That conversation is priceless!! I laughed out loud for a few minutes straight!! …no joke!
You know, there are so many people in the world and so many jobs; some jobs require hard work, some require little physical work but rely on other, less obvious skills. There’s room enough for them all.
What you don’t do, someone else will. So if you choose, instead, to focus on what makes you happy and allows you to give of yourself and serve humankind, you’re not leaving a void, you are filling a very valuable one….one that only you can fill in your unique way. That’s also priceless!
Cheers,
Scott
@ Andrew – I checked out that post and it really bothered me! Thanks for sharing that with me. It basically tells you to get into a lifestyle you don’t necessarily want just for the sake of being a “man.” Once in that lifestyle, you try to find your way through it by simply coping with your circumstances. Thanks again for sharing that my friend.
@ Scott – I’m glad you could get a good laugh out of that! And I like your point about not leaving a void, but filling one. Good stuff.
well, i agree with you…so i must be a women. on plus said, i have a great set of boobs lol
Matt I just woke up and that’s the first thing I read today, thank you for starting my day of well! Hahaha