I loved my job as restaurateur. But I always had outside interests, such as gardening, modern dance, reading and music. I have always needed time on a stage or in a garden! If I had only my job, I would have hated my life, my job especially.
I haven't had to work (much - I am still a landlord) for fifteen years now, and I do not have enough time for the things I love. Blogging takes up too much of that time actually, and I feel I must let go of that some so that I have more time with my dog, my garden, my music, my friends. I feel terribly sorry for someone who only has their job in their life. That sounds like slavery to me.
I get it, I like my job too, very much, but would leave it in a shot if I didn't have to go there - There is just so much more to life than having to go to a job even if it's a job I like doing. If I wasn't working (at a job) I'd still do things and keep busy, so many things to do, but it would all be a choice whereas at the moment I have to go to work to sustain and grow my position financially like most people. That doesn't stop me from engaging with my life.
I don't believe in the 50/50 work/life balance, being 50% at work or at play doesn't work for me...I prefer the 100/100 method - When I'm at work I'm 100% present. When I'm not I'm 100% not. It's worked nicely.
Lastly, yep it's slavery indeed...a position governments and those who drive consumerism want us to be in. #unplugfromthematrix