Fast Company article July/August 1999 'How Much is Enough?' Survey by Fast Company Page 108 Nathan Johnson

I thought this article was an interesting one that most of us who are in the working world can relate to quite well. In this article they took an in-depth look at how people in the Fast Company community answer the question, "How much is enough?" They looked at a variety of areas including income, time, personal activities, power, time alone and finding a balance for all these areas as best as possible.

Most people in this article felt that money-related pressures affect how well they could balance life in general. They would like to work less and have more time for other areas of their life if money was not such a factor. But I found it interesting that most were not willing to pursue more balance if it required them to compromise their career.

It appears that the goal of 'having enough' is relative and is changing constantly with other factors. The more we have, the more we want. Those who were most likely to accept limits on their ability to have more material things were poorer people (those making $40,000 or less per year) and women.

When given the chance to make a better income while needing to put in longer hours, those responding to the question thought it was worth it. The exception was when a family was involved. In this case, it was seen as 'losing sight of what's important'.

Americans appear to want it all-more money, more time, greater success, a wonderful family life, many comforts, etc. I think our society is becoming more and more greedy, but that greed is being fed by media bombardment and 'advertising'.

When I hear how life used to be when my parent and grandparents were growing up, I often wish life today were more like that. Sure they had to work hard to survive, but they took time to help neighbors and cared genuinely for each other. They were less concerned with self and materialism.

I feel fortunate to live in a rural community. In the rural setting, I feel the drive for power and keeping up with the neighbors' luxuries as well as the desire to be in the 'cutthroat' career world is different. I don't think it is as demanding where I live, away from the urbanized communities. But I still have struggles trying to balance time with family and career development opportunities.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 1999