Is the Four Hour Workweek Obsolete?

In My Life, There's No Such Thing As "Work"

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about how much of my time is invested in Indie Business and Indie Beauty. Of course I've read most of Tim Ferris' book, The 4-Hour Workweek, and I am familiar with the things he suggests small business owners do to free up their time to do things they really enjoy. In fact, I have for years done many of the things his book suggests. I can appreciate wanting work "work" less, and I've been thinking about that quite a bit lately, especially now that we are starting to tape Indie Shopping.TV beginning Fridays at 10:15pm EST. Here's a photo of me on the set after last night's show.

       

The photo was taken around midnight. I'm tired, but do I look like I'm "working" to you? I think not. My Indie Business is so closely related to my life that there is almost no distinction between the two. As a Christian woman, my "work" is to serve God and His people as best I can using the talents, gifts and blessings He has given me. As a wife and mother, my "work" is to serve and partner with my husband, and to raise our children to be healthy and strong, and able to make vibrant contributions to society.

As the host of Indie Shopping TV, my "work" is to celebrate the achievements and products of Indie Business owners nationwide. As founder and president of the Indie Beauty Network, my "work" is to learn from and serve 700+ Indies Beauty Business owners every day. As host and producer of Indie Business Radio, my "work" is to find and introduce listeners to a person who opens our eyes to new ways of thinking and behaving. As co-editor of Bootstrap Babes Blog, my "work" is to collaborate with Jamila White to create articles that inspire women to launch, own and manage businesses on a shoestring budget, without breaking the bank or creating mountains of debt. With each speaking gig, my "work" is to travel to a new city city where I meet new people with great stories to tell and wonderful examples to follow.

I invest long hours and work with dozens of colleagues each week to make all of these things happen. But none of it is "work."

I Have Concluded That I Don't "Work"

So here's what I've been thinking. If the traditional definition of "work" includes doing something you are trained to do, and which you may or may not enjoy, in order to earn a living, then I have not "worked" since 2001 when I resigned my last traditional full-time job.

The fact is, I really don't know what "work" is anymore. Everything I do is connected to the core of who I am as a woman, a wife, a mother, a business owner, a teacher, a motivator and a person with an insatiable curiosity about what's around the next corner in my life.

Sure, I love vacationing, but when I do, my laptop or Blackberry comes with me. And I don't consider it an imposition when, after a day at the beach, I check my email and have to help an Indie Beauty Network member access an important piece of information that is critical to her business success. That's not work. It's what I do, and I do it whether I'm sitting in my home office or spending a few days at a resort with my family. That's just the way it is. And it's not "work."

So I guess when I think of Tim Ferris' book, I wonder why it would be appealing to me to reduce what I love doing in my life down to only a few hours a week. Talk about trauma. I'm sure I'd manage, but I also think I'd be itching for something else to do, or longing for a new and exciting person to meet and get to know.

A Perfect Storm

I believe we are living in the midst of a perfect storm. Because of the Internet and other technological advances, never has there been a time in modern American history when so many people need to own a business, at the same time they want to own a business, at the same time they can own a business. What I think that means is that more and more people will find their work lives merging with their non-work lives, to the point where there's no division between the two. There's no more "work." Instead, there's just life, and what a wonderful life it is when you can do something that puts food on the table as it also enriches your life, your families' life and the lives of the people you serve.

Question: Do you "work?" Has your "work" and your life merged so that your "work" really doesn't count as "work" anymore? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Comments

[DeAnna Troupe]

You bring up a very interesting topic in your blog. When you define work in the way you do, I think the 4 hour workweek may just be obsolete since most people start businesses doing what they like to do so they really aren't working. Very good post. Keep up the good work.

[Kristina]

Great topic. It's funny that you're talking about this. Yesterday's Oprah was on a similar topic. Sadly, I think a lot of people "work" in the traditional sense, doing things they have been trained to do but really don't like or enjoy. I agree that "work" doesn't feel like "work" when you pursue your dreams and passions. Hopefully, everyone will make it a goal to pursue their lifelong passions more in 2009 and change the definition of what "work" means in their lives.

[Shelley Jones]

Donna Maria, This was a great post! I enjoyed the way you defined each area of your life. Reality is we are always working... working on a career, working on our family/frienships, working on self, etc. But you really hit the nail on the head - is it really work? I also travel with my phone and computer and am always "on call" to assist customers. But I love it and wouldn't trade what I have now to go back to my traditional job prior to this adventure.

[Chandi from Mineral Basics]

What a perfect post. I love this!

I can't believe we've been through the same issue.

I have read Tim's book 3 times minimum. I really love it. He gives a lot of great tips.

I realized after reading his book that I was working 4 to 5 days a week, about 6 to 8 hours a day. Not much, but I wanted to get it down to 4 hours like TIM! :)

So I tried it.

And ... it was okay for a while. I started to work on crafts more and had some mental rest from my business.

I WAS burnt out at the time, so the rest was needed and welcome.

But I have to say, I completely agree with your position on work being Not-Work.

I have come to the realization over the course of several months that I absolutely adore what I do for a living.

I get to play in MAKEUP all day! I get to create till my heart's content and actually provide a living for my family doing so.

HELLO, Me!! This is heaven on earth!

I'm so blissful and thankful each day for my rich blessings.

If someone handed me 50 million dollars tomorrow, I would probably STILL run my business because I just love it.

It has its ups and downs, of course, but all in all, I don't work.

I play all day and make money doing so.

I thank God for this wonderful, rich life I lead.

Many blogs,programs and books I see talk about how to make MORE and MORE and MORE money, because that is "the only purpose" of a business... But I disagree. I'm comfortable with my income level, I enjoy what I do and what more can I ask for?

I've learned to pace myself to prevent burn out and I'm so happy now.

I am currently "working" about 30 hours per week and enjoying every second of it.

Thank you for posting this, as it's good to know there are others who feel the same as I do!

[Anne-Marie]

I "work" 60 plus hours per week but don't consider "work" either. It's more like a great hobby that I get paid for. I would naturally gravitate to what I do in my "work" for fun.

I have also read Tim's book and love his concepts on how to make email more effective and his point about how it's not so much about making money as it is about the experiences money can buy. I'm totally sold on that and want to change my schedule around for more of those world-class, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

But, I don't want to give up "work" for that. I relish almost every minute of building my own business. Sure, not all of it is amazing, fun or easy but enough of it fulfills my requirements of positive challenges, enlightening interactions and genuine relationship that I happily work 60 plus hours per week and don't regret it.

[Donna Johnson]

@DeAnna: Glad you enjoyed the post. Let's see what the future brings in terms of the continued merger between "life" and "work." I'm excited for what it means for young people who have limited "traditional" job options. It will be more important than ever for them to create income doing things they love -- things that aren't "work" to them. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Come again!

[Judy]

My uncle, (a farmer-longshoreman in Connecticut during his lifetime), had a sign in his barn which has been my mantra since I was knee high to the proverbial grasshopper "Nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else". Peace. Shalom. Salaam.

[Candace from Pure Anada]

This was a great post Donna Marie! As many other Indie Business owners, I too feel I have not worked for a minute at my "work".

The only dilemma I had (until 2 weeks ago), was the overwhelming domestic duties that seemed to accumulate while I was "working"! ;) We have 3 children (6,5,2), with plans to adopt a 4th. We homeschool our oldest two, so needless to say I needed some help!

I'd like to share with other Indie Moms, the solution that God provided for my hectic life. It may not be an option for everyone...but it has been a huge blessing for me!

As an enterprising woman, I've been identifying more and more with the Proverbs 31 woman. (The Virtuous Woman described in the Bible). One morning I was contemplating how in the world she was able to do everything the Lord called her to do! Then my eyes stuck on a word I had never noticed before: "maidens". Long story short...I knew what I needed was a maiden! We've since hired a full time housekeeper/caregiver for our family. She's from the Philippines, and it has been the best business decision we have EVER made!

With someone to take care of the laundry, cleaning and cooking...I must admit (rather sheepishly), that I will be on "vacation" for the next 2 years! I'm in a state of bliss since I love building my business, and love teaching my children. My domestic helper loves to clean and cook. I'll have to ask if she feels like she's working a 4 hour work week as well! ;)

In any case, a truth I have acquired over the last 5 years is that God will never give you more than you can handle. So whatever he sets before you to do...He will make a way! God Bless!

[kristin]

Great post dM. I find it hard to define "work" sometimes, because what I do owning The Grapeseed Co. is my love, hobby, passion and still "fun". I am intrigued by creating formulas, enjoy designing new product, and getting orders just doesn't get old, maybe overwhelmed at times, but still excited!It's a challenge at times and can be exhausting,but pretty cool to be able to do it my way.

I spend many more actual hours "working" than I did when I had a traditional job, but I agree with you, work and life are a becoming synonymous.

[Mary]

I love it, Donna Marie! I truly believe when a person is happy in their work, their minds really open up, becoming more creative amongst other positive outcomes. When we feel free to be creative, it truly is NOT work! God Bless!

[Donna Johnson]

@Mary: That's a good point. When you are free to use your gifts on your own terms, creativity does seem to flow more easily and naturally. Thanks for making that point, we can all benefit from remembering it as one of the best benefits of being Indie.

[Donna Johnson]

@Kristin: Your comment that "work and life become synonymous" ratches the whole idea up a bit. I think we are watching them rapidly become one and it's fascinating to watch it happen so quickly and be in the middle of it. Thanks for stopping by and kicking things up a notch.

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

@Candace: I love your reference to the Proverbs 31 woman. I too feel very connected to her. Not only did she have the sense to hire help (my help is people that help with my children and also my outside vendors), but also, her hands were busy and she made a profit from her work. I just love how even in a time when women were treated as less than individual people, the Bible highlights the individual business accomplishmens of a business woman who also manages her home. I get great comfort and inspiration from Proverbs 31. Thanks for sharing it.

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

@Judy: I love your uncle's quote. I Tweeted it and received tons of "amens" and it sent more people to this blog post to have a look. Thanks for sharing that piece of advice. I shall never forget it.

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

@DeAnna: Thanks for the kudos. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who senses this shift. I don't think the sociologists and pundits have picked up on it yet. As always, Indies like us set the pace!

[Kelli Parisian]

Wow! Who is that gorgeous babe in the photo? Why, it's our own dM. Sure does look like she enjoys her "work".

Like you dM, I take so much pleasure in what I do, it does not seem like work to me either. I have the priviledge of living my passion daily.

Thanks for the great post!

[Gina Rafkind]

Hi dM,
I totally agree that what I do does not feel like work at all. I have Tim Ferris' book saved in my Amazon shopping cart to get one day.
Also love the Indie TV. It's great to see what others are doing and being able to share it. Your last one with EC Stewart Designs was great and their products are very unique. I love journals and theirs, being refillable and so velvety soft looking, may just have to arrive at my doorstep one day!
Thanks for all you do and share.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Gina

[Donna Johnson]

@Gina: Thanks for stopping by. Tim Ferris' book is worth the read. I got a lot out of it so let me know what you think when you get it. Thanks for letting me know you liked EC Stewart's goodies. When I said "buddah," I meant it. I had to spring for one of the "buddah" soft suede mousepads. Her stuff is awesome! Lucky me I got to feature it on the show. Have a Merry Holiday, Gina!