Are You Living to Work or Working to Live?
You’ve probably seen the quote: “Are you living to work, or working to live?”
It’s gone viral for a reason. It hits deep.
The first time I read it, I thought: This is absurd. Why would anyone build a life where most of their time is traded for just a sliver of freedom?
But then I had to face the truth, because that’s exactly how I used to live.
I spent years pouring everything into my work. The best of my energy went to my job. My family, friends, and even my own wellbeing got what was left over. Sound familiar?
And yet, when I read that line again recently, I paused.
Not because I hate what I do. Speaking and coaching lights me up. Sure, I’ve got admin that drains me, but 90% of my work energises me.
So, I asked myself: If you love what you do, does the trade-off still feel like a loss?
Maybe not.
But if that quote stung when you read it, if your stomach dropped or your chest tightened, then something needs to shift.
Through coaching, marathons, and my own breakdowns and breakthroughs, I’ve learned this:
When it comes to work, you only have three options:
Stay the same. Keep going with the routine and accept this is your life.
Increase your value. Earn more so you can buy back time and freedom.
Change the work itself. Find something that excites you so it no longer feels like sacrifice.
If you feel trapped in “living to work,” start here:
Write down your Baseline : where your time, money, and energy actually go in a week.
Circle the areas that drain you most.
Ask yourself: Do I need to earn more, work less, or change what I’m doing altogether?
You don’t need to burn it all down overnight.
You just need a roadmap to something better.
If this blog hit home, then the next step is clear:
Take the Life Performance Scorecard It will show you exactly where you’re giving away your time, energy, and freedom, and how to take it back.
From there, you can choose: keep going as you are, or start building a life that actually feels like living.
