Work to Live or Live to Work?

I recently was told by a coworker in India that we Americans live to work, while they work to live, and that is why some things don't exactly get done on time. I've heard this phrase several times in reference to Americans, and only recently have I let it really sink into my consciousness.

I read an article in "O" magazine about the dangers of saying 'No' in the workplace. As working woman, we often have to juggle our careers, our family life, and the guilt of not balancing both in manner we'd like. The article described a few very successful women who were at the top of their careers. Respected women, who use their influence to not only break the glass ceiling, but shatter it completely. However, every one of them admitted to missing a few too many soccer games, and being late for parent/teacher conferences. Even getting the dreaded blackberry buzz in the middle of your 1st graders dance recital. These women cautioned up-and-coming career women on saying "no". Sure, say 'No' now, but later, you might not get the opportunities you have now. Don't work the weekend, don't move across the country for that promotion, don't spend 6 months in India training new employees. You say 'No' now, and later, when you'd like to say 'yes' to that perfect job, you're not even asked.

I suppose it's a risk we take, and I'm coming to the realization that it's a risk I want to take. This might be because my career has never been a passion. Yes, I often give 150% of myself to my job, but more out of a sense of duty than love. Or possibly competition - I like being really good at what I do. Even if I don't like what I do. My job affords well... hot chocolate! =) So do I live to work? or work to live?

I think this is the test - if I suddenly became fabulously and outrageously rich, would I still work? Probably in some capacity, yes. I'd get too bored! Plus, who wants to do the laundry if you've got enough money to hire someone for that! So if I was wealthy enough not work, I'd probably still want to work in some manner. I'd probably take on something more flexible, less stressful. Maybe volunteer with a local charity. Or just work at Starbucks in the afternoons! No matter what I found to do - I'd rather not do laundry!

Of course, that's just dreaming...it is unlikely I will suddenly become fabulously and outrageously rich. I don't even play the lottery. So until I find a career that I love and have a real passion for, I suppose I continue to work to live. Maybe I'll be faced with a tough decision to choose the career I would adore and miss out on family time, or stick with this career and have a little more freedom (when I force myself to take it). But until then... here's to working to live!