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Created on: August 26, 2010 Last Updated: November 18, 2010
Hey, you like to work a lot right? There is nothing wrong with wanting to put in some time at work and be the best that you can be. However, there is a point where you can't be that much of a workaholic. How much money can you earn that will fill your heart with joy? How many titles can you hold at work before you are finally coming home to a happy home?
Wait, are you saying that your promotion won't lead to a family for you? Money won't make you as happy as that time your friends went with you to that football game and that wicked blizzard hit when the visiting team got the ball? That's crazy talk if you ask me, or maybe it is actually true. Working hard is only one part of your life.
You have to allow yourself to reap the fruits of your labor. Working for a paycheck isn't really worth it if you are just buying a car to go back to work with. What's the point of box seats to the NFL games on Sunday if you have no one to go with? Actually, what's the point of box seats to a football game anyway, get with the real fans and sit outside!
Think about what people are going to say at your funeral, assuming anyone shows up. If you are too busy working to be a family man, or at least spend time with people, what is the point? Your family loves you and your friends want to have some fun and let loose every so often, so why are you still at work? Do you enjoy living a boring life, or risk having your tombstone bought by your company for 78 years of service?
Remember that your company is only as loyal to you as you are to them, or at least for as long as you can bring them money. Once you are used up, they aren't going to care about you anymore. You will just be that guy that worked there for a long time. Your family and friends will be the ones who remember you no matter what you do or who you become.
Working hard is certainly something to envy, but remember to go home every so often too. Work to live your life, don't live your life to work. If you can keep that in mind, you will never be that guy who is working on Saturday night when everyone else is out having a good time.
Learn more about this author, Cody Hodge.
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