4-Hour Work Week

For the past week I have been engrossed in a book entitled “The 4-hour Workweek” authored by Tim Ferris. A friend had lent me the audiobook a few months ago with the admonition “Marguerite, you MUST listen to this”. I excitedly claimed it with the intention of immediately following his sage advice. That was months ago.

Last Wednesday, while searching for some music CDs, I came upon the dustcovered, cobwebbed audiobook. This I took to be a serious sign from the Universe, for just that morning I had had one of those intimate, self-deprecating conversations with myself: “Marguerite, something in your life has got to give! You cannot continue to work this hard!” The Universe had indeed done its work!

I listen to the audiobook while driving. I find that I cannot wait to get into the car to continue the learning. On reaching my destination, I inevitably sit for awhile, too riveted to switch off the ignition and the sound. I greet lines of traffic with joy – more time to listen to the book! I play the audio for my children whenever they are in the car, for I want them to be exposed from now to the idea that there is an alternative to a 40 hour workweek, or an 80 hour workweek – which is what they have grown up being accustomed to seeing me do. I want them to be open to the idea that life is not just “work hard and die” but about working purposefully, efficiently, effectively – and having time, lots of it, for fun, freedom and growth. I do the first part of the equation, for I really do love my work. But it consumes so much of my time that extended time off for other pursuits has seemed difficult at best, and impossible at worst – until now.

The main tenet of the book is that throughout our life, we should take mini-retirements to do the things that we have planned for our final retirement after 40 or so years of hard work. We all have a retirement wishlist – travel, learning something new, cooling out on a beach, reading – but it’s a deferred wishlist, one that for most of us will not actually happen. For by the time we reach that age (and many don’t), we are likely to lack the energy, vitality and the financial resources to do so. Tim Ferris, who has been doing this since his 20s, goes into intricate detail on how to do this. It is fascinating. Do even 1% of what he is suggesting, and your life will be vastly different. I know – I am doing it. I absorbed and immediately implemented his chapter on managing information. Today, for the first time ever, I am ½ hour early for my 8.30 a.m. meeting – and the children were on time for school!

I have been telling everybody about this book, and noticing their reactions. Most people can’t even handle the first hurdle “FOUR hour workweek? Are you sure he didn’t drop off a zero?” or “I would love that, but my particular situation just wouldn’t allow it” This type of response immediately cuts off any possibility of even 1 hour less of work per week. They believe it is impossible, and are not willing to let go of that belief – and so, it IS impossible – for THEM.

At first, I would try to convince them that it is possible. Actually, I was trying to convince them just to read the book. After a few such responses, I gave up, realising that the only person I need to convince is ME! I know it’s possible. Tim Ferris is doing it. And if one human being has ever done something, then all of us can. For we are all made of the same stuff with the same unlimited, unbound and undefined potential.

Check out the book. Or at least think, even for a moment, what your life would be like if you only worked 4 hours per week!