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This article may not be the best... but honestly the social construct that start-upers (especially in the early stage) are maniacally dedicated to work has beco
by jmzbond 13y ago
This article may not be the best... but honestly the social construct that start-upers (especially in the early stage) are maniacally dedicated to work has become so tight that I worry it's solidifying into an expectation.
When I started working on my idea, I felt guilty when not working. (I naturally don't feel happy unless I'm productive, but this is probably also externally influenced.) In January, I worked 100+ hours. I cooked, ate, slept, went to the gym, but other than that I largely worked. Since I don't consume media entertainment by nature and am an introvert, it was easy to work on my passion unless a friend proactively reached out. I slept-worked a lot, but never felt mentally tired or burned out. Physically though, I became a wreck, at some point tweaking something to the point where I couldn't turn my head. Scary.
I used to think 4 hour work weeks were reserved for those who sought escape from a job they didn't like. But I now realize that the larger goal of work/life balance is equally important for people who love their jobs. And I get that time feels threatening: we have to move fast or the opportunity will pass. But if this idea is something that I'm truly passionate about, I should have no problem devoting a lifetime to it (not blindly treading water without success, of course!).
Now, I know my happiness is still driven by productivity, but I'm trying to redefine that for myself. A day with friends, cleaning the apartment, or climbing at the gym is actually very productive and a good recharge. I really hope more entrepreneurs read this article, and really evaluate what working and living means for them.
FYI I wrote a blarticle about my experience in January and work/life balance here: https://medium.com/entrepreneurs-corner/9461ce206589 https://medium.com/entrepreneurs-corner/9461ce206589