Several years ago, after reading the book HalfTime by Bob Buford, the Boys of Breakfast took the time to discuss careers and finding balance . We found that many of the groupmembers faced some challenge or other with work & life balance - too much travel, long hours, work for work's sake, and non-spiritual environments were among the top issues.
We thought about how we'd like to live the "second half " of our lives. HalfTime points out that we may have reached a certain "success" in our lives with all the accoutrements of money, power, possessions and recognition. But HalfTime, and much of what we talk about in our Boys of Breakfast group, points out that you reach a point in your life when success is not enough and you look around for what you can do with your remaining years that becomes "significant."
Significance may be a better measure of a man. Have we impacted the lives of those around us in a positive and eternal way? Have we done something the makes a difference in the world? Have we lived our lives truly as Jesus, Moses or Mohammed would have?
How many more possessions, awards and promotions do we need to obtain to feel fulfilled? Some, for sure, do feel fulfilled by these things - and may die happily doing so. But those of us seeking balance typically are after something more. We wear a feeling of emptiness with only the "accoutrements" of success. After all, God blesses us with talents and spiritual gifts. How we use these gifts to positively affect others is what makes us better as human beings.
For myself, the shift towards "significance" started when I converted to Christianity in 2001, but began in earnest two years ago, I hired a "life coach." She assisted me in looking at all that I love to do, my philosophy on life, my career and desire for optimal balance. We together re-defined my life in terms of the things most important to me - and in doing so, we've set me on course toward "significance." By freeing up my career to focus on things I truly enjoy doing and aligning my career with " significance " I am continuing with my "career" work (starting companies and investment) but am now also exploring music, writing, philanthropy, teaching (at UC Berkeley) and other things as means of self-expression and focus on more significance.
The fundamental goals of my journey have been "Do what you enjoy" and "Do it well." When we use the talents and gifts God has gifted us, then we are fulfilling His purpose in us, and we align ourselves with Him - we are more likely to feel fulfilled and/or happy.
Would a Halftime career shift bring more balance in your life?
First of all, congratulations on the website. I love the focus! For me, significance comes from spending time on what really matters in life -- our relationships, our families, our friends, and our faith. I don't know about the rest of you, but when I'm 84 years old and getting ready to visit the Big Guy in the sky, I'd like to look back on my life and know that I focused on what really mattered.