My wife and I were on vacation recently in South Africa. While on a winery tour, we met a wonderful couple from England and spent the day with them. Of course, the question of “how long are you staying?” came up. When we said two weeks, they made the standard comment of “I don’t know how you Americans do it. We need to get away for at least four weeks on holiday.” However, they went on to express that they each get six weeks of vacation and then the standard sick days and holidays. The final statement made me feel a little sorry for them: “We live all year for our holidays.”
Really? I live for each week. I’d be miserable if I spent 44 weeks of the year waiting for the other eight. I love my work, and most people I know love their work (they at least like their work). I enjoy my routine. I get a kick out of solving problems for my clients. I like producing and making a difference in society. Yes, we take our work a little too seriously and probably spend too much time at the office. However, I live and enjoy all 52 weeks of the year. I really do, and I don’t know many Americans who don’t.
For those that know me, you know that my wife and I travel quite a bit. However, I can’t leave for more than two weeks – I actually miss home after about a week. I travel for the adventure and to settle my curiosity, not to get away from my life. So, be careful next time someone says “Everyone else in the world has it right. They work to live, and we live to work.” Don’t jump on that bandwagon right away. Think about it. Do we really have it backwards? I don’t think so.
