Traveling the world exposes one to diverse cultures living harmoniously, and it’s natural to start questioning one’s own living situation. After traveling extensively, I found myself wondering: Why am I still living in Paris?

This sparked a lengthy period of research, introspection, and discussions with friends, family, colleagues and ChatGPT as I contemplated the possibility of living elsewhere, but where?

Live to work

In the year 2023, the world is a chaotic and tumultuous place. Wars rage across continents, economic crises are felt worldwide, and climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet. Tsunamis, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions are becoming increasingly common occurrences and show no signs of slowing down. In this tumultuous world, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. It can be easy to forget that life is not just about work, but about finding balance between work and the other aspects of life. Living to work, rather than working to live, is an important reminder that there is more to life than the pressures and demands of the workplace.

Work is at the center of our lives. Without work, where would we make money to live. With work comes power and power kills self.

We live in a society where everything, from whoever’s perspective anywhere in this planet, is not doing well. Let’s face it:

Political:

Political polarization has been on the rise in many countries, leading to increased division and hostility between different ethnic groups. This can make it difficult for governments to pass meaningful legislation and implement effective policies, and can also lead to an erosion of democratic institutions. People don’t trust anymore their own governments.

Economy:

The gap between the world’s rich and poor continues to widen, with the majority of the world’s wealth concentrated in the hands of a small minority. This inequality can lead to social unrest and political instability, as well as hindering economic growth and development.

Social:

Forced migration and displacement due to conflict, persecution, and economic hardship has become a global crisis, affecting millions of people. This creates political and social challenges for host countries and can also exacerbate existing political tensions. It is also important to recognize that today’s media can be a powerful tool for shaping one’s public opinion and understanding of the world. Remember that the “Planet is round” 😉

Technology:

We took 50y to use electricity properly. Humans have been aware of the phenomenon of electricity for thousands of years, but it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that scientists began to understand the nature of electricity and develop the technology to harness its power.

What can’t we do with what we already have? The increasing reliance on technology, AI and the internet has created new vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, which can have serious consequences for national security and infrastructure.

Environment:

We over produce to over consume. It’s important to note that the use of natural resources ensure the well-being of future generations.

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. The effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, more intense heatwaves, and more frequent extreme weather events, threaten to cause widespread damage to human and natural systems. The degradation of the environment due to human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and overfishing can have serious consequences for human health and well-being, as well as for the planet’s biodiversity. Marketing bullshit can break society down — Electric Cars, Vertical Living,

Legal:

Most countries are at war or benefiting from it or investing in it. The threat of nuclear war is still a major concern, with many countries continuing to develop and maintain nuclear weapons. The violation of basic human rights such as freedom of speech and assembly, the right to a fair trial, and the right to life, liberty, and security of person can have detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

So the quest begin:

Is the worldwide economic system driven by work?

What is the Worldwide Economic System?

The worldwide economic system is a complex and dynamic network of markets and institutions that interact to determine the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including government policies, international trade and investment, technological innovation, and demographic trends — in other words the PESTEL above.

• The most prominent economic system worldwide is Capitalism, where the economy is primarily based on the private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods and services for profit.
• Other economic systems include socialism, where the means of production are owned and controlled by the state, and mixed economies, which incorporate elements of both capitalism and socialism.

21st century’s Economies drive money

Banks are crumbling one by one, making us realize the value of bread.

Most economies are capitalist whether we like it or not. We are driven to make money, consume and throw away mistakes. So, it’s natural to think that living to work is the only way of life.

• We all wait our end salary at the end of the month. Bonuses are most welcomed. Whether you are single or family-type-of-person, everything is more expensive. In average, Supermarkets +30%, Plane tickets +20%, Retail +40% etc…
• Let’s say you want to take a break of this machine. Planning to go away is a long process of endless ads and high prices.

Does money bring happiness?

Work to Live

Living in this mindset of things, we start feeling less of a “pion” and more like a “king”. You put yourself (& your family)’s health in priority to live a passionate life. In theory, it’s beautiful but in experience, it’s much harder to manage:

Develop personal relationship

The flexibility provided by accommodations such as backpacker hostels, freelancing opportunities, and influencer sponsorships has led to a shift in people’s relationship with money. Instead of spending their earnings on materialistic possessions, many individuals are now choosing to invest their money into their future, travel and experiences. This shift in priorities has led to a growing preference for living in remote islands with minimal car traffic, as opposed to bustling cities or suburban areas.

Work from your passion and hobbies

Work culture really affect your personal well-beings. So, if you are willing to dedicate ≈ 2,080 hours / year on something you hate doing, no bother even studying for it. Many example draws into company cultures affecting both employers and employees: Employers are now acknowledging the positive impact of a healthy work environment on their employees’ well-being, giving them more ownership. As a result, they are taking proactive steps to promote a positive work culture, which in turn facilitates personal growth and allows individuals to pursue experiences that enhance their lives outside of work

The advent of advanced technologies

People can now work from home or on the go, which gives them more control over their work-life balance.

such as ChatGPT and 5G internet, has made it possible for many individuals to work remotely, providing them with greater flexibility in their work schedules. Automation is now accessible to everyone. With the freedom to choose when to work, productivity is likely to increase as individuals can balance work and personal life more effectively. This newfound independence and flexibility also allow individuals to prioritize personal well-being, thereby bringing us closer to the “live to work” ideal.

So, Is it possible to work to live?

In this context of 2023, the question of whether it is possible to live to work or work to live is a complex one, and the answer may depend on your individual circumstances and preferences, and how things go down in history.

What I can tell is to make the most out of your life.