I know it's a bit of a stretch stating that the 9-5 work model has been evolved into a 24/7 model, but this stems from the fact that the latter is generally built on a platform that operates 24 hours, 7 days.
An interesting contrast that I've notice between the two models is that the 9-5 model is regulated from the outside or externally. You're told when to clock in, when to clock out, what tasks to do, how to do them etc.
With the 24/7 model, it's almost quite the opposite, there's not a clearly defined routine, so to speak, especially at the start.
I think part of the reason being that the digital space is very dynamic, in the sense that almost everything is constantly evolving, which also has an effect of creating myriads of new opportunities and challenges on an almost ongoing basis.
In a way, you need to learn self-regulation, and be able to prioritize and manage your own time effectively. Otherwise, being constantly overwhelmed will be a normal state of mind.
It's both a blessing and a curse, in that the abundance of opportunities available in the digital realm is a perfect recipe to creating a form of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), where one might feel compelled to always be "on" and working. I've experienced this a lot, staying "online" way past my bedtime.
Infinite Race Track
Sometimes, it's also competitive, the logic being that while you're asleep, someone else somewhere, is working, getting ahead of you. Stay on the grind to stay ahead type of mindset. Definitely, a half-truth when I look back at it now.
Add to that, the human desire to never be satisfied with almost anything, and to constantly chase the next big thing and you get to understand how and why this 24/7 mentality is addictive and relentless.
But, the physical limitations of the human body means that this model is often unsustainable in practice. We have a physical component that the digital realm is oblivious to.
Our biological needs for rest, relaxation, and personal time outside of that realm cannot be ignored, lest we risk burnout and deterioration of our physical health and well-being.
I won't say this is another form of human dilemma, but it's really interesting for me to observe this push and pull dynamic.
My mind is up there, churning out ideas, connecting dots, building models and frameworks but when it comes to executing on them, I have to move with the pace of my body down here, which is quite slow and limited by its capabilities.
In that regard, it makes sense why it is said that the human body is made to collect berries and not eat them.
It more or less highlights the fundamental disconnect between our biological nature and the new demands of living in a modern, hyper-connected world. It'll probably take a while before the body adapts to it, if ever.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.
when the convenient of working 24/7 (I mean no time restriction) finally eats up the body and mind those who really using that model but could not regulates its timing perfectly.
I used to be that kind as well, but I am trying to reduce it as much as I can
Yes, I think at some point, everybody who's caught up in that model realises that they need to make a change to preserve their health. We really can't push the body too far out without facing dire consequences. I think for the most part is a timing and prioritization problem to solve.
Thanks for stopping by :)
i noticed this working on my music and other projects i have a passion for. there are no weekends any longer and i do not miss them at all, i work when i want and for much longer durations, setting and reaching milestones and tailoring the working hours much more to the project at hand, getting with its ideal individual rhythm rather than worh a clock.
in that your point about the body is interesting, it is sort of the limiting factor. but i see it more as a helper for cosmic balance, keeping the achiever mind in check and reminding us: dudes, you are living on earth and still have a body to care for, take a break for today and finally go to bed!!!
at the same time, if it is a more self-determined way of working (rather than a terrible job for some other boss) it can be an obsession in its own right.
balance is paramount in everything especially when we would prefer to ignore its merit
blessings dude!
Definitely, I also love that aspect of immersing yourself in a work that you find interesting for hours on end, you just give it your all and get it done and you also enjoy the whole process. I think in a way, it's more beneficial to just work hard, hours on end on what you love then rest hard also, for quite some time, to achieve this balance that's needed for everything to operate orderly. Rather than never touching the extremes and just tiptoe-ing between the "balanced zone".
Thanks for stopping by :)
super true. when finally taking a break after achieving a milestone i feel tired but somehow achieved and happy. positive exhaustion, rather than this continuous grinding down of my soul for no purpose
blessings dude!