School work, looking for an Internship, and working, all at the same time, is tough to manage. Today, it is getting even more tough to manage our daily lives, as society, businesses are moving towards more of a multi-tasking, competitive, and fast-paced environment. As I was reminded in class last week, American businesses believe that time is money, which I think is definitely true in America. If I go to a party, the next day I'll have to work hours straight to catch up on my work. Our time has become so valuable, its not as easy to take a break, knowing there's something else more meaningful to do. But at the same time, if we don't relax, stress will be knocking on our doors. Hard-work is great, but learning to relax is something valuable for our own health.
When I went to Spain last summer with my family, it was a culture shock seeing such a relaxed atmosphere. Businesses, stores and restaurants, would close midday, which left me in a panic, as we often forgot to eat at the right time. People would be out in the park painting or exercising in groups. Being in Spain during the World Cup, people would gather together to see the games in plazas and restaurants, not only at night, but during the day too. On the other hand, my family, so used to the fast-paced environment, would be running around trying to see all the popular sites before our vacation ended. (I sometimes think we should go on the Amazing Race since it's been like we've been practicing every vacation). I love America's great work ethic. To reach my dream of managing a store, I know I have to continue to work hard and sharpen my managerial skills, but I think, especially when we are overwhelmed, we all can learn something from the Spaniards :
To Relax and Enjoy Life!
I couldn't agree with you anymore. Us Americans, especially New Yorkers, are always keeping busy and working all the time. Six days a week I work and four days a week I come to school. The only free time I have is on Saturdays and I use it all to do school work. We need to stop living at such a fast pace and go to Spain!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Here it’s all competition. Here no matter how hard you work, how many degrees you obtain it’s not enough. We add more work and stress on ourselves to get so many things done quicker so later we can relax but we just don’t realize how tough life will get after we reach the end of the road. For example, I graduated from Baruch with my first degree and at the same time I was working two part-time jobs and an internship. I thought that after all this I will have achieved so much when I am done that I should easily get a good job but what happened? Recession took place and my dream to land a good job just went down the drain. After a year of struggling I decided to come back for a second degree in business. Everyone is struggling in this economy to make their ends meet. Everything is getting too expense for people to afford.
ReplyDeleteMore pressure, stress, and struggle are for the new generation. Parents are pushing their children to get into the best schools, study nonstop and get into best companies. What happens? Individuals end up committing suicide because they think it’s an easy way out.
haha I had the same experience...Siesta is great for Spainards, but not so great for tourists like us lol. However, I do agree with you, it wouldn't hurt for Americans to slow down a bit and smell the roses.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. This winter break I took a winter class and completed an internship all in a 5 week span. Everyday was 9-5 and then 530-830. By the time I was finished with all of this, Spring semester started. it never ends....
ReplyDeleteI agree. Living in this giant city made us get used to the fast pasted life style where we have to be on time and we have to get everything done as fast as possible. I can't even remember when the last time I had a day to myself to do what I wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteI wish America was a little more laid back. I also live a very hectic lifestyle, and am always shocked to hear about life around the world. I feel like our hectic routines are productive, but it makes the days go by faster and we get less out of life in a sense.
ReplyDeleteWhen I moved here from Ireland, I couldn't understand why everyone was busy doing something and never take a break for him/herself. In Ireland, (especially during the winter) all the stores are closed by 6pm. So, people can go home and relax with their families.
ReplyDeleteWorking hard is good, but we should not forget to take a break for ourselves!
We need to have some fun too! :)
Hey Alexandra,
ReplyDeleteWhen you told me about the stores being closed in the middle of the day, it was hard to envision because in my mind, businesses operate on their own schedules and if I were the owner of a small business, I would try to keep my lunch break short so that I can reel in as many sales as I can...But then again, if there are no customers, there's no point in keeping the store opened.
I would like to go to Spain to see this for myself one day.
It is absolutely true that we need to relax a little more and follow the lead of the Spanish. The constant work/school routine does not help physical or mental health. Time is money, yes. But if we do not take care of ourselves mentally and physically, no amount of money can make us completely happy and this constant routine would be moot anyways.
ReplyDeleteThe United States could take a hint from Spain to slow down our lifestyles but we are so accustomed to this fast pace that even if people suggested it, it could never actually happen. There is always so much work to be done and being that almost everyone commutes so far to work it would be ridiculous and probably impossible to implement...we can always hope though, its definitely a nice thought.
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