Comments on: Life Is All There Is

By: Kevin W. Grossman

Kevin W. Grossman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:06:29 +0000

First, we must stop bastardizing words.

Second, we must live – live beyond our employed meaning and embrace each moment. Couldn’t agree with you more. There are some who can truly wield the work/life balance bullshit, but most of us just dream about the things we’d like to be. I live a little bit of both.

But I’ll tell you what – I’d rather joust windmills every day than never try to play basketball. And I don’t really like basketball. Football, yes. Because I could play that. Basketball not so much. Not even really good at “horse”.

Transcend implied definitions and define each day as our own. Right on, Lance. I’ve got plenty of dirty jobs with diapers and the like anyway.

By: Links for November 29 2009 | Eric D. Brown

Links for November 29 2009 | Eric D. Brown — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:41:14 +0000

[...] Life Is All There Is by Lance Haun on Rehaul [...]

By: Norcross

Norcross — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:20:52 +0000

Amen. I’ve never bought much of the ‘work / life balance’ debate, as just about everyone doesn’t attach anything regarding weight to it. Different things take priority for different folks, and that’s just how it is. For myself, a job / career has always simply been a method of financing my life. It doesn’t define me, nor does it determine the overall direction in my life. It’s a damn job.

By: Trish McFarlane

Trish McFarlane — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:12:00 +0000

As usual, you cut to the chase. Agree with your point- just live life. I will say that I personally benefit from hearing how others handle making it work. As my life changes, children grow, etc I need to hear tips on how to make it all fit. Sure, part of the day may be scraping shit off a sewer, but how can I make it to the soccer game once in awhile? I don’t think we have to just do everything the job asks. It’s ok to push back some and live life, right? The economy may not be at a place where people can ditch jobs- maybe not for several years. But, the day will come where they can. Until then, keep scraping and living.

By: Naomi Bloom

Naomi Bloom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:04:41 +0000

Lance, this is a terrific post, and very timely. Life is indeed all there is, and it’s short. Death is long. No one, on their death bed, ever regretted not having spent more time working, but most regret not having spent more time living. Even for those of us, those very fortunate few of us, for whom our work is our passion, there are never going to be enough hours in the day/week/month/year for all the other important aspects of life. I spoke of some on my Thanksgiving blessings blog post; you’ve made the same point here beautifully.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:01:48 +0000

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This post was mentioned on Twitter by nigelstark: But what about 2nd Life? RT @thelance: New Post: Life Is All There Is http://bit.ly/7UvdtT...

By: HR Minion

HR Minion — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:06:38 +0000

Such a great post Lance! Other than my love for Mike Rowe, the reason I love Dirty Jobs so much is because everyone they feature has a great attitude towards work. It helps put things into perspective.

By: Jennifer McClure

Jennifer McClure — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:53:58 +0000

Love your thoughts on this Lance! I agree with your point that our choice is really whether or not your career defines you. Nicely put. And it’s true that some people are quite happy with their choices.

Some of the most content folks I’ve ever met are ski instructors in the winter who take off to spend the summer living on the beach or being Dive Masters. When I’ve talked with them, I always say “I wish I could do that!”. Truth is, I could if my mind didn’t quickly go to – “but what would I do about health insurance” and “what about 401k’s and planning for retirement?”. The only difference between them and me is the choices we’re making about priorities. And the fact that I’m not a great skier who sunburns easily…

By: Beth N. Carvin, Nobscot Corporation

Beth N. Carvin, Nobscot Corporation — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:29:54 +0000

I wanted to chastize you for saying we can’t all become independently wealthy and love what we do….because for those who want that its there for the taking….but I agree so strongly with your overall message that I’ll focus on that instead.

I remember my first eye-opening moment when I met someone whose work did not define him. I was fresh out of college and working a job at a video leasing company while I waited to find my first “real” job.

At this company, Rediffusion Video Leasing, there was a particular video installer whose name has long faded from my memory. What hasn’t faded was his absolute contentment with his low wage, low opportunity position. He was happy about his life, his family and the things he did with his time off.

At the time I had a really hard time comprehending that. We would have long conversations about it. I was a naive, job snob and I made the terrible mistake that people’s jobs are a measure of their worth.

It was a great life lesson to learn and I have remembered it always. I think about it often when we talk about what motivates and retains employees. We shouldn’t assume that all employees want growth opportunity. A large portion of our excellent workers simply want a nice place to work without too many irritations and annoyances. They find their fulfillment off the job not on it.

Thanks for bringing up this topic, Lance.

Now we just have to work on the part about you becoming independently wealthy…..