Why you should make time to pursue your passions

Working professionals are increasingly finding themselves pressed for time, which is leading to the abandonment of hobbies and other activities previously enjoyed. But at what cost?

I don't have time, I make time for you, is what I like to say to friends and family.

But what does this mean? I neglected my hobbies in order to advance my career. Does that mean I don't care about them, or does it just mean that I needed to prioritize work at that point in time?

Happiness needs to be a cornerstone of your life

New research from around the world shows that, despite rising incomes, people are spending more time working and commuting and less time engaging in leisure activities that give them satisfaction. One study among working adults shows that there is a positive correlation between buying time-saving services with money and greater life satisfaction. (Whillans et al., 2017) Time is the one resource that cannot be replenished. How are you managing your time?

What do people want?

People have different needs and desires, but I believe that most people seek a job in which they can use their talents, grow and develop as employees, and be rewarded for their achievements. This may include opportunities to work from home, autonomy at work, competitive pay, and good benefits. (Howe et al., 2022) A new study has revealed that one's salary does not necessarily correlate with happiness when it comes to a job. (Where is the Happiest Place to Work in the UK?, n.d.) There’s no clear-cut answer to how many in-office days are best for a company. It depends on your business model, your industry, and the type of employee you want to attract. Some employees might prefer more flexibility in the workplace, while others may enjoy the stability of a traditional work schedule. If you allow your employees to choose their ideal way of working, it could result in a more flexible, motivated, and productive workforce.(Reisinger and Fetterer, 2021)

Collaborating will help both sides.

Employees look for purpose in their jobs. Employers that help employees find this purpose will attract talent and keep it. Companies need leaders who can both motivate their team and assist them in achieving their desired results, that is, success. However, the typical manager today is skilled at getting work done but lacks the skill to inspire individuals to perform at a higher level. As a result, the manager cannot connect individuals' mission to the company's purpose; therefore, many employees are unfulfilled. In order to be successful and fulfill individual needs, managers must connect employees' personal visions with the company's overall vision. (Garton and Mankins, n.d.)

Passion makes you relaxed

Studies have indicated that stressed workers tend to feel less comfortable and pleasant. Researchers posit that stress can be correlated with low levels of job satisfaction because employees who perceive a positive atmosphere at work have higher comfort and pleasure. Experiencing a better spirit of camaraderie leads employees to report greater enthusiasm and vigor in their work. Organizations and leaders can foster a psychologically healthy workforce by improving the perceptions of employees. (Filbeck and Krueger, 2005)

Views

I have worked part-time for some years, in addition to freelance work and study, and I have found the experience very rewarding. Working part-time has given me a good structure to my working week, as well as “easy work”, as I do not need to look for new clients. Starting my own small business has allowed me to develop new contacts, and my studies have helped me to progress personally. Although I do not think work interferes with my happiness, I do feel that exercising and making time for friends is important to my contentment.

Thought prompt

According to a Wall Street Journal report, more than half of business owners have jobs they can’t fill. The shortage stems from many causes, but one key cause is that many people are no longer interested in working for an employer who sets the rules and the employee obliges.

In today's modern workplace, businesses are shifting towards a new way to empower employees. It's not surprising that people find the traditional power dynamic antiquated. It's hundreds of years old. People want to work for companies where they can grow, be challenged, and achieve their fullest potential. By offering this sense of autonomy and empowerment, employees will feel valued and confident. (Reshef—Minutes, 2022)

You disagree? Great! Please comment below.

Filbeck, G. and Krueger, T.M. (2005) An Analysis of Working Capital Management Results Across Industries. Available from https://doi.org/10.1108/19355181200500007 [accessed 1 May 2022].

Garton, E. and Mankins, M.C. (n.d.) Engaging Your Employees Is Good, but Don’t Stop There. Available from https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/2045547/mod_resource/content/1/engaging.pdf.

Howe, L.C., Jachimowicz, J.M. and Menges, J.I. (2022) To Retain Employees, Support Their Passions Outside Work. Harvard Business Review.

Reisinger, H. and Fetterer, D. (2021) Forget Flexibility. Your Employees Want Autonomy. Harvard Business Review.

Reshef—Minutes, E. (2022) It’s time for a new social code between bosses and employees Available from https://www.fastcompany.com/90747190/its-time-for-a-new-social-code-between-between-bosses-and-employees?partner=rss&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss&mc_cid=9b31d96a6e&mc_eid=660c03d080 [accessed 5 May 2022].

Where is the Happiest Place to Work in the UK? (n.d.) Available from https://www.instantprint.co.uk/think-big/growing-your-business/where-is-the-happiest-place-to-work [accessed 5 May 2022].

Whillans, A.V., Dunn, E.W., Smeets, P., Bekkers, R. and Norton, M.I. (2017) Buying time promotes happiness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 114(32) 8523–8527. Available from https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1706541114.