One of the many unanticipated consequences of globalisation is that increasing numbers of people are working to a global schedule It means that people are working in different time zones and geographies, almost as a matter of course. (Weekend Australian Feb 16-17 2008).
This is a dramatic example of how life is now a 24/7 continuum with no clear distinction between work and personal life. Many of the people in these global jobs work from home which makes the distinction even more blurred.
It's also a good example of how people who love their job - as the various people interviewed in this article indicated - can allow the risk of burnout to go unnoticed until things go wrong. Bill Withers of Perth is quoted in the article as saying that "people can keep working to international hours only if their employers allow them some flexibility. You've got to make sure people have a life outside of business. I've been the President of the local footy club for 3 years".
I see my business as helping people to recognize the potential problems of today's 24/7 lifestyle and ensure that they get a life outside of work now, not when the health or relationship starts to crack. You wouldn't wait until you have a money problem before you develop a financial plan. Don't wait til you have a lifestyle problem before you plan to find what I call an "interest break" - a non-work interest that you enjoy so much that you forget your work and other problems for a while. Personal interests that you enjoy creating in your own time are not just fun, they could save your life.
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