Discovering the joy of not working

As an addition to last week’s suggested summer reading list, I decided to include another interesting, albeit unusual, read. Generously lent to me over the weekend, this book is not your typical inspirational collection of quotes and imagery. In fact, crafted in an almost “do-it-yourself” format, it is light and easy reading. However, let not its levity mislead you with regard to its message. Written for the retired, unemployed and overworked, The Joy of Not Working highlights the other end of the spectrum. In this time of commencement exercises, new graduates and newbies in the workforce, here are some advice from people on their way back from the journey that so many are only beginning.

Each chapter begins with a very socially accepted paradigm and then proceeds to turn these assumptions on its head by providing new insights and perspectives on what we thought we always knew. If that doesn’t convince you, there are also regular sections containing exercises to further illustrate the point. You may not agree with every insight, but it will make you stop and think.

It focuses on the definition of “leisure” and the ideal Life of Riley (an American comedy TV series and later a comic book made popular in the 1950s) and how you can also live this satisfied, truly happy life. It tackles the challenges of not working whether by choice or by circumstance. This book also emphasizes how perception is everything and how “old dogs” really can learn new tricks. It treats change as a necessary facet of life and balance as the key to weathering any storm.

The morality of work as the morality of slaves

The author, Ernie Zelinski, speaks intently about the “Morality of Work as being the Morality of Slaves” and forces the reader to really think about work. Why are we so fixated on this rat race of getting ahead at whatever the cost? Why do we stick to jobs that we no longer find any joy or fulfillment in? As Zelinski writes, unlike rats that will eventually veer away from a particular path if there is no cheese, human beings sometimes gladly stay in a trap despite the fact that there is no reward in sight. He speaks of how an extreme work ethic can affect both our health and our creativity and how “play” is actually key to productivity (I guess the “Googles” of this world know exactly what that means). He then asks if you are “listening to your calling” and if that isn’t enough, all of a sudden, asks THE question…”Do you know who you are?” Now, if you get stumped by his query, take your time before moving on to the next chapter — especially because it deals with something both real and painful — both for the ego and the pocket: unemployment.

Unemployment: The test of who you really are

With economies being what they are, the unpredictability of tenure is always a difficult reality. Trite as it sounds, Zelinski sees unemployment as a wonderful opportunity to develop true character. So you may not miss your obnoxious boss or the two-hour daily commute, but people don’t realize that more often than not, a job is not a mere avenue for income. In fact, there are three important needs that most jobs inadvertently fulfill: structure and associated routines, a sense of purpose and a sense of community. These are the gaps that one needs to address and satisfy should unemployment come knocking. Begin new routines, find your true-life purpose, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Make a “career” out of the time that you do have now. Your job may have finished but your life could only be beginning.

Somebody is boring me; I think it is me

Unlike losing a job, retirement is a different story as are the pitfalls. In this case, it’s the “B-word”. “B” as in “boredom.” Life can be both fulfilling and rewarding, but we must choose it. Similarly, whether we realize it or not,  the B-word doesn’t just descend on us like a dark cloud, we also choose it. As Richard Bach warns: “In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.” For us to overcome boredom, we must give up the safe and familiar and be willing to tread unknown waters. As Zelinski quips, “retirement is boring only if you retire from life.” He suggests a new solution — time to plant your “Get-A-Life Tree.”

This Get-A-Life Tree is actually the result of a proposed exercise that maps out the many opportunities and avenues your life can now take. Again, it is all a matter of thinking about what you really want, having the courage to choose it and then really doing something about it. Again the author poses an insight —“You may be living, but are you alive?”

The end has just begun

Although this book does address the practical concerns of unemployment and retirement, it also makes every effort to provide insights as to the value judgments that accompany every practical decision. Many of us feel, if I had “________” amount in the bank, I could retire. If I had “__________” saved up, I could enjoy my life and travel the world. What exactly is that magic number and will it ever really be enough for us to let go? As the author challenges each reader, “If you believe that happiness can be bought, why don’t you try selling some of yours?” Hmmm … something to think about. 

In this regard, he proposes a “Prescription for Lifelong Happiness,” although more a combination of advice from the voices of the wise, including his own, it nevertheless reminds us that no matter what part of the journey you find yourself in — a fresh grad, a seasoned executive or a retired senior — there is always, always every reason to find joy in life and no excuse for not having it.

RX for lifelong happiness

Purpose enough for satisfaction

Work enough for sustenance

Sanity enough to know when to play and rest

Wealth enough for basic needs

Affection enough to like many and love a few

Self-respect enough to love yourself

Charity enough to give to others in need

Courage enough to face difficulties

Creativity enough to solve problems

Humor enough to laugh at will

Hope enough to expect an interesting tomorrow

Health enough to enjoy life for all it’s worth

Gratitude enough to appreciate what you have

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E-mail tcbautista@arkeology.org.