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2. “I Wish I Hadn’t Worked So Hard”
Work is important.
It provides income, stability, purpose, independence, and often a sense of identity.
There is nothing wrong with being ambitious.
The problem begins when work consumes so much of life that everything else gets pushed aside.
A meeting can be rescheduled.
A project can wait.
Another email can be answered tomorrow.
But certain moments with the people we love don’t come back.
Children grow up.
Parents get older.
Friendships change.
Relationships require time.
And life keeps moving whether we’re ready for it or not.
Ware described hearing regret from people who felt they had devoted too much of their lives to work and missed opportunities to spend time with family.
That doesn’t mean everyone should quit their job and abandon their responsibilities.
For most people, that’s neither realistic nor desirable.
Instead, the lesson is about balance.
Ask yourself:
Am I working to support my life, or has my life gradually become about working?
There may be small ways to change the equation.
Eating dinner without checking work messages.
Taking a real vacation.
Leaving the office on time occasionally.
Calling your parents.
Watching your children play instead of answering another email.
These things may seem ordinary.
But ordinary moments are often the moments we remember.