Different strokes, I suppose.  I know that I treasure my leisure time, but wouldn't want it exclusively.  I like a sense of accomplishment -- but it's also true that I can get that from unpaid work.  Even simple things like cooking, yard work, or cleaning give me a bit of a lift.

I spent an entire year unemployed when I was young.  The summer was by choice, and I really liked it -- I had a powerful motorcycle, and cottage hopped, couch surfed, and camped for 3 months in Canada and the Northeastern states.  But when I couldn't find a job in the fall and money was tight, it got unpleasant.  I found that a peculiar lethargy set in after a while, and I got into a funk that was really hard to climb out of.  Life seemed meaningless for a time, but I kicked myself in the behind and started exercising and reading more.  That helped -- but I didn't really get over it til I got a job.

That's just me, though, it might be different for others.

Labels: moderation: safe