In 1931 James Truslow Adams coined the original concept of the American Dream. According to Investopedia.com, Adams described it is as “the dream of a land in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The harsh reality is the American Dream is not obtainable for everyone. Today, many people wonder if they will ever achieve it or have given up trying to achieve a moving target that may not align with the core values of generations z and alpha.
In 2021, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs in August across an array of industries, according to a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “The Great Resignation” was spurred for various reasons, but some cite poor working conditions. While others were required to work from home refused to return to the office. Many of us who work from home will agree you have more independence, less expenses, more flexibility, you do not have the distractions you typically have in the office, and you are more productive.
While some are content with working from home others want the ability to work from anywhere in the world. This grants greater flexibility and allows for a nomadic lifestyle if you so choose. My daughter has been living a nomadic lifestyle over the past year and has traveled wonderful destinations such as Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, France, Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos, Bolivia, Tanzania, and will end the year with Egypt and Argentina. Her employer allows her the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Some employers such as hers recognizes that their employees are more productive when they have a level of freedom that allows them to have a true work/life balance.
My daughter definitely “works to live,” as she works to allow herself to do what she loves traveling outside of her job. Her job is simply a means to create income to enjoy her lifestyle, which can be less expensive than living in the states (especially depending on where you live). I have met plenty of people who “live to work,” which we often times may equate with a workaholic whose lives center around their work. They love what they do for a living, they strive for achievements in their careers, and a significant source of satisfaction comes from their job.
What is your answer to the question? Comment on which lifestyle you live now and if that is how you would like to continue. This Covid-19 era has come with plenty of negatives, but with positives as well and I would like to focus on those things such as:
- Living your best life now and not waiting for retirement.
- Demanding better working conditions and not continuing to be miserable in a position.
- Having the quiet time to reflect on what is most important.
- People connecting via various videoconferencing platforms required some to learn a new skill.
- Families spending more quality time together spurs discovery into yours and your children’s lives.
- Additional free time has prompted some people to pick up a hobby.
As we continue to navigate through a world impacted by a pandemic, really think about what it is that makes you happy. Sometimes negative inputs in life can drive positive outputs in life. It will depend on whether you have a glass half full or a glass half empty mind-set. Take the time to self-reflect. Body and Mind has a great article entitled “How to start a daily self-reflection routine (and why you should)?” The article focuses on the following five reasons to self-reflect and tips on how to perform self-reflection:
- Live with More Intention
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Acceptance
- Make Sense of Daily Events
- Track Changes, Challenges, and Breakthroughs
To learn more about the article mentioned about visit https://bodymind.com/why-you-should-be-doing-daily-self-reflection/. Visit Ketour Travel’s website (https://ketourtravel.com) read the blogs and updates on current and future trips. Do not forget to subscribe to the newsletter, follow Ketour on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.