Liberty Mason
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

I’m conflicted about this article.

For example: I’m also one who sits in an office and marvels at how much useless time-wasting chit-chat happens; in fact, I get really irritated when I’m approached with nonsense conversations. HOWEVER, there is also a lot to be said about comradarie and a warm workplace environment — about employees feeling like human beings among other human beings doing human things.

Also: I, too, get up and out extra early in order to complete my work before my four small children awake (I single parent four little ones) and I LOVE that “the money earning part” is done before they even start their day. But then, as another reader who commented, I am responsible for maintaining the needs and lives of five people for the next 14–18 hours. When my chillins are finally down for the night, or (hallelujah!) spend an hour at my sister’s house, I am not going to do even more work. I am going to just sit the hell down and do nothing. Nothing. The ability to reset is as vital as the compulsion to drive-drive-drive.

In both examples, I suppose one could just use your glib analysis of “where my priorities lie” (rather than, say, acknowledging that when I’m a robot at work my employees lose vitality, and/or I lose out on relationships and potentially valuable networking; or that I have myriad responsibility outside those of, say, a single man or a “family man” whose partner handles all domestic affairs) — but such a glib analysis is not real-world relevant …

…just as not all time spent watching TV, having a relaxed morning, or chatting with friends is wasted….

…but, then again, a lot of it is….

Finally — you mentioned the fella who had a stroke and realized that time was most precious … time with his loved ones. But then laud how he now spends his time making podcasts and interviewing/highlighting folks who advocate for using all time to work and “career dream chase?”

He’s not using his pile of money to facilitate being with his loved ones with whatever precious little (or much) time he has?

This all leaves me quite conflicted …

Maybe a little clarification of your point is in order?

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