Would you like to work less and live more?

"The trouble with the rat race is, even if you win, you are still a rat."

Lily Tomlin

Would you like to change to a less demanding work schedule in order to enjoy life more? Do you want to slow down at work in order to 'upshift' in other areas of your life? Would you like to spend more time with your family, invest more time in your hobbies, or are you motivated by a desire to live a less materialistic and more sustainable life?

Who hasn't wanted to step off the ever-accelerating treadmill of work, and gain some balance in life? Most of us, at one time or another, have wanted to move from the fast track of life to a more satisfying, healthier, less work-focused lifestyle. This concept is referred to as "downshifting".

The stresses imposed on our body, mind and spirit by living in the rat race can lead to ill health that affects every part of our being. In contrast, by simplifying our lives and freeing up our time, we have the potential not only to heal ourselves, but also to maintain our optimum wellbeing and increase our overall happiness.

What is a downshifter?

Downshifters can be defined as people who make a voluntary, long term, lifestyle change that involves accepting less income and consuming less. 'Sea-changers' and 'tree-changers' may be thought of as sub-groups of downshifters (The Australia Institute, 2003).

An Australian Newspoll survey indicates that 23 per cent of Australian adults aged 30-59 have downshifted over the last 10 years. Men and women; people in their thirties, forties and fifties; families with and without children; blue-collar and white-collar workers - they are all just as likely to make the life change (The Australia institute, 2003).

Why downshift?

Downshifters may be pursuing a more balanced and fulfilled life; they may want to spend more time with their families; they may be motivated by a desire to live a less materialistic and more sustainable life. They may make the change following a sudden event such as a severe illness, the death of someone close or a marriage breakdown. More often, the decision follows a longer process of questioning (The Australia Institute, 2003).

How do we downshift?

We can downshift by working fewer hours in our present job, or by accepting a job with less responsibility. We can quit our job and find another one that we find more rewarding. Or we can start our own part or full-time business, perhaps working from home.

Sometimes downshifters find they make more money, but are happier and more fulfilled - usually because they have found something that fires their passion, and work is no longer work.

If you are thinking of downshifting the first practical step is figuring out how to work less, freeing up time for valued activities. When you cut back on expenses (which you will do by living simply), you will find you can live on less income and consequently work fewer hours.

Potential downshifters need to ask themselves:

" Where am I now? What is it about my current circumstances that I can no longer tolerate?

" Where do I want to be? Develop a clear vision of how you would like your life to be!

" Look at all the options for your downshift - can you stay in your current job and work less hours? Do you want to pursue another career or start your own business? Can you do your current work from home or go to part time hours? Get as much information about all the options as you can.

" Work out the financial implications and plan accordingly - you may need to seek financial advice.

" Communicate with others involved - your family, your workplace if appropriate.

" Put it all together and take action to make it a reality!