Most people who are around my age have been going to the same job for years. By now, they have elevated themselves to a position where they are already starting to think about retirement. Most don't want to retire because in some form, they have defined themselves by their work. If you asked them the question, "who are you?" most would answer with their occupation (teacher, doctor, lawyer, shipyard manager, etc.).
But who we are can be better defined by what we do when we're not working, rather than who we perceive ourselves during normal business hours. During the business week, we are who we have to be based on our job, but on the weekends, we can be who ever we want to be, it's our choice. Some people have hobbies like fishing or hunting, but some are content with just wasting hours away in front of the TV or the computer, drinking, gambling or sleeping.
Others choose to give time to their church, their children's activities or social groups. When the choice is up to us, our value system kicks in and we follow whatever is most important to us. Contrary to what we may believe throughout our professional career, what we do in our leisure time is the best indicator of who we really are.
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