Graduating from a Work-First Lifestyle

I have reached the final stage of my life.

Up until now, I have lived my life putting work first.

I was hospitalized a few years ago,
(I should have realized it then...)

I have started to think
that it is time to graduate from putting work first (finally!).

As a member of the Showa generation, when I think of graduation, this song comes to mind.

How many more times must I graduate from myself
before I can be free?

Everyone is a weak lamb bound by something.

When I was young, I lacked sensitivity, so I didn't take the lyrics seriously.

Did I miss the time when I should have been struggling?

There is one more
speech about graduation
that I like.

Stay hungry,
stay foolish.

Do not waste your time for the sake of someone else.

Regarding quitting a work-first lifestyle,

what kind of things could I possibly quit?

I would like to think about it a little.

But where to start?
When it comes to organizing my thoughts at times like this,
it's Chappy-kun.

Please give me some tips on how to break away from a work-first lifestyle!

🌿 Step 1: Visualize your current situation

First, let's calmly grasp where you are right now.

• Write down how you spend your day (work, housework, commuting, breaks, etc.)

• Record the times when your mind and body feel "tired"

• List the things you "actually want to do but aren't doing"

→ This will clarify just how much energy you are over-investing in work.

🌸 Step 2: Reconfirm your values

In a work-centered lifestyle, "results," "responsibility," and "efficiency" tend to take priority.
So, try asking yourself the following questions.

• What does "richness" mean to you?

• When are the moments your heart feels fulfilled?

• Who do you want to spend time with, and what kind of time do you want to spend?

→ By putting your values into words, the things you want to cherish outside of work will emerge.

After thinking about it, I realized I seem to like having a bonfire at a mountain cabin.

Hmm,
Is this a value? I wonder.
Maybe it's a bit different?

I think I'll try digging a little deeper into this later.

☕ Step 3: Incorporate small "non-work" times into your schedule

Since it is difficult to change your life drastically all at once, start by increasing 10-minute blocks of free time.
Example:

• Schedule time in the morning to drink coffee slowly

• Set aside time to read your favorite book after work just once a week

• Decide on a time frame to turn off work notifications on your smartphone

→ The key is to practice spending this “free time” without feeling guilty.

I realized I am already doing these things to some extent

Is it about slacking off at work while feeling quite guilty?
Shifting to slacking off at work without feeling guilty?

No, I think I will change my perspective
Let's rephrase it as improving work quality by changing the time and place of work.

For example, trying remote work as nomad work.
If you can be freed from place and time and improve quality, it's a win-win, right?

🌼Step 4: Clarify work boundaries

• Establish rules such as “do not reply outside of working hours” and “do not open emails on holidays”

• If working from home, separate your work area from your private space

• Start practicing saying “NO” little by little

→ By drawing boundaries, you will be able to protect your own energy.

This might be a little difficult
But there seem to be cases where it is possible to achieve this in different ways.

Is it okay to take paid leave, go on a trip, and work occasionally?

No, maybe that's a bit different?

🌙 Step 5: Develop habits to 'recover' your body and mind

• Keep your sleep schedule consistent

• Create a 'recovery routine' such as walking, stretching, or taking a bath

• Focus on 'care for healing' rather than 'care for working harder'

→ In a work-first lifestyle, 'recovery' is often neglected, so this is a turning point.

Meditation is definitely the best for mental recovery, isn't it?
I should try to set aside as much time as possible for meditation each day.

However, I'm completely self-taught.
I'm still looking for various ways to do it.
I would appreciate it if someone could coach me in meditation♪

Also,
regarding work, when I notice emotional fog,

I'll take a deep breath.

Well, if anything, I'll try saying,

'Does it really matter?'
I'm thinking of trying to let go of my emotions.

I happen to have a subordinate who is very emotional, so I'll learn from her!

The people around us are mirrors of ourselves, aren't they?🪞
It's also necessary to try letting go of emotions.

🌻 Step 6: Cultivate an 'identity' outside of work

• Have a 'place to express yourself' such as hobbies, learning, or volunteering

• Rebuild connections with friends, family, and the community

• Choose activities that make you feel proud of your 'self outside of work'

→ You will be able to feel that "I am a person of value even without work."

I've thought about it a lot, but

I need a place to find my identity.
Virtually speaking, this place called note seems to correspond to that.

I want to create a place in the real world, too.

🌈Step 7: "Redesign" your lifestyle

Once you have some breathing room, look at your life as a whole.

• What kind of balance do you want to live with over the next five years?

• How will you adjust your workload, income, and daily rhythm?

• Try creating your ideal weekly schedule.

→ You can shift from "living to work" to "working to live."

The final step
My own axis has started to become visible
I guess I have no choice but to start walking
The time has come to stop pandering to those around me

Thank you, Chappy-kun 😊

I have reached a resolution.
However,
since resolutions easily fade away due to daily chores,
I need to create a system so they don't fade.

The next step is to ask how to prevent resolutions from being forgotten due to daily chores.