Why do we go to work?

Welcome to my new blog "Simple Life, Better Life".

Whilst the idea for this blog has been in my mind for a while, it is only recently that I really started considering my life and the path that it was headed. I recently read a statistic that states the average time spent at work in a lifetime is 93,600 hours. 93,600 hours!!!

This really hit home a few days ago when I was asked by a financial planner, "Why do you go to work?". Whilst the obvious answer was, "To make money", I was encouraged to delve deeper and consider what we want the money for. Whilst I like to think I earn money to enjoy a nice lifestyle, it has occurred to me that I may be mistaking 'great lifestyle' with 'lots of stuff'.

Are we spending the majority of our life working just for 'stuff'? The latest plasma TV, the newest model car and everything else we need to keep up with the Jones'. Would you be willing to sacrifice your plasma TV for an extra 5 hours at home with your children? Would you give up the latest gadget if it meant you could go for a nice meal with your partner?

At only 28, society dictates that i should be moneycentric - focused on making money and spending money - however I am proposing that there is an alternative option. That living a simpler life (with less 'stuff') can actually create a better life.

I'm looking forward to sharing my learning process with you, and seeing if a simple life really is a better life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts - why do you go to work?