IN the old days, work was everything and therefore, it was not unusual for people to work long hours with unreasonable deadlines and heavy workloads.
The Gen X generation (born early 1960s to early 1980s) was brought up thinking that work was indispensable and that work was the essence of life.
Their life revolved around their work. After retirement, they felt lost and miserable without work. They did not know how to have a life after retirement.
Many chose to continue working, even in their 60s and 70s. However, the GenY generation (born after the 1980s) has a different view of work and life, and opted for an optimum work-life balance.
They are more outgoing, daring and take risks by switching jobs to seek excitement and challenge themselves.
They look for fun and flexible working hours which enable them to have a life after office hours.
Confucius said when you love what you do, you would not work a single day. Therefore, they look for jobs that they love and switch jobs when there is no career advancement, no job satisfaction and poor work-life balance.
Long working hours, unreasonable deadlines and heavy workloads that deny them quality time are frowned upon by today’s generation. The young generation realises that an unhealthy work–life balance can affect them and their families.
Burnout and work stress can result in health problems, and working long hours may invariably put a strain on relationships.
An individual’s world is made up of two major domains — work and life. Work means employment, and a career, while life means family, leisure, health and spiritual pursuits.
How an individual juggles both these complex domains and is able to achieve enjoyment of both domains will ensure a balanced and effective lifestyle.
Samuel Yesuiah , Seremban, Negri Sembilan