To Work on not to Work

To Work or Not to Work

By Brian Keith Shrewsbury

To work or not to work—that is the question. Is it nobler to endure the daily grind of earning a living, or is it wiser, and perhaps more enjoyable, to simply relax and savor life’s pleasures? While it’s tempting to believe that endless leisure is the key to happiness, too much idleness can leave us feeling adrift, lacking direction and meaning.

This tension between work and leisure is something my grandmother understood deeply. She often reminded me, “Working, making a living, and having a purpose is a blessing.” She would add, “Most people think they want unlimited free time—until they have it, like when there are no jobs to be found.” Her wisdom was shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression, when work was scarce and families like hers had to make do with far less than we have today.

Her stories painted vivid pictures of those difficult years. She recalled how her father would pace the road, worry etched across his face, searching for ways to provide for his six children. The struggle was so real that they even took in a neighboring family who had lost their home. Despite the hardship, there was a sense of shared purpose that kept them going.

My great-grandfather, a printer by trade, found solace and dignity in his craft. In their home, he painstakingly set each letter by hand on his old press, sometimes fashioning the type himself when needed. He printed badges, ribbons, letters, handouts, posters, and pamphlets—whatever work he could find. Though the income was meager, the act of working, of contributing something valuable, gave him a sense of purpose that transcended financial reward.

Reflecting on these stories, I realize that having a purpose—something meaningful to do—can be a greater blessing than unlimited entertainment or leisure. Purpose gives structure to our days and a reason to get up in the morning. Even today, with all our modern conveniences and distractions, many people find themselves unhappy despite abundant free time. It seems that fulfillment comes not from endless amusement, but from having a role to play and goals to pursue.

This lesson is particularly relevant for young people entering adulthood. Many spend years in college, hoping to prepare for a meaningful career. Yet, too often, students graduate with degrees that don’t lead to stable jobs, burdened by debt and uncertainty. The transition from the structured life of a student to the responsibilities of adulthood can be daunting, especially when practical skills like managing finances or starting a business are not taught. The result is a generation that sometimes struggles to find its footing, mistaking entertainment for fulfillment and postponing the search for real purpose.

I wish more young adults could appreciate the value of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges. True achievement—whether in work, sports, or personal goals—requires effort, resilience, and determination. These qualities are forged in the pursuit of purpose, not in the pursuit of comfort.

Sports provide a clear example. Athletes learn to push through adversity, becoming stronger and more skilled through hard work and discipline. This mindset should extend beyond the playing field and into everyday life. When we set goals, strive to reach them, and overcome obstacles along the way, we experience a sense of accomplishment that no one else can give us.

Ultimately, life is not just about making money. Once our basic needs—shelter, safety, food—are met, we begin searching for belonging and significance. Relationships, shared dreams, and the desire to make a difference become central. Even those with great wealth often struggle with feelings of emptiness if they lack a sense of purpose. It’s a universal human need, cutting across all social and economic backgrounds.

So, the next time you’re tempted to wish away your responsibilities, remember that purpose is what gives life meaning. There are countless people who would gladly take your place, grateful for the chance to contribute. The real blessing is not in escaping work, but in finding something worthwhile to do—something that meets your needs, enriches your life, and allows you to make a positive impact on the world.

In the end, it’s purpose—not leisure—that forms the foundation of a fulfilling life.

About the Author

Brian Keith Shrewsbury is a storyteller, father and entrepreneur who draws on family history, personal experience, and timeless wisdom from coaching to teaching to inspire readers to find meaning and purpose in everyday life.

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