You cannot take it with you

I came across this quote by Rabbi Harold Kushner, “nobody on their deathbed would say, “I wish I can spend more time in the workplace.”

I have heard this line many years ago and yes, I have always wondered about it; it provokes the mind. But just like every other quotes, it has to be qualified and contextualized.

I have, in fact, seen this line used as a main copy for a TV ad some years ago. An insurance company used it and it seemed appropriate for the nature of their business.

While it is great that it implies more important things to life like family, relationships and friendships, I think this line has been interpreted liberally by some, such that it would be used as a simple but weighty excuse for not driving one’s self hard towards excellence and accomplishments.

It is true that there were many who regretted not having lived their lives with purpose, those who reached success in career and business looked back to see that the road they took were littered with many casualties.

The same people who lived in regret would give anything to have another chance and relive their lives.

But this time, they would like to approach it with the kind of intention and conviction that could make life meaningful, something that would integrate both work and family.

I get their interpretation, but not driving oneself hard and striving to be successful is a waste of talent and opportunity. And most importantly, they failed to provide the best for their families.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column that described the lifestyle and work style of the mediocre. While I had many positive reactions to it, there were some who became upset, particularly on the item wherein I said that mediocre people can’t wait to go home early.

I had comments saying, “Mr. Francis, staying long at work is not an indication that a person is effective, it may even prove inefficiency.” Another wrote me a message in my Facebook page, “Mr. Francis, you have done a great disservice to the people working in the office by implying that they are mediocre simply because they go home on the dot.”

I smiled because I remembered a lesson in public speaking and writing: we tend to see things as we are.

Perhaps, they have failed – or refused- to see that the item in question was just one of the many other features of mediocre people, yet they singled out that one item and got so upset with it.

I have been in the company of very successful people in business. They go to work early, they leave work late many times or sometimes early. Here is the thing; they are all very efficient and competent. They know how to integrate work and life. When it’s family time, they stick to their families and refuse to compromise. They have discovered the purpose of life and at the same time, they enjoy both their lifestyle and their work style.

To them, the act of accomplishing things is what gives them joy, earning money becomes a by-product. This is why they are now in command of their own businesses. This is why their personal assets are loaded. All because they work harder, smarter and deliver more results – this is their incredible work ethics.

Work is much more than just making a living. Work should not be a miserable act that a person engages. Or a necessary evil that pulls a person away from the people and activities he really cares about.

We find meaning in life when we add value to it, and in this case, through work.  The more you apply knowledge on how to engage your labor, the more you will find satisfaction, and thus the more joy you will find in life.

“Why work hard? Why earn so much? You can’t take it with you.”

This phrase is not right and certainly not fair. Those who have not discovered meaningful work enjoy this phrase. But those who have achieved success in life and are happy with their accomplishments will find this phrase strange. 

The truth is that you can take it with you.

And what you take with you is the kind of person you have become; your character that was shaped by the values you got and gave because of work.

And as Einstein himself, who delivered so many hours of work every day, would say, “Strive not to be a success, but strive to be of value.”

(Mark your calendars. Spend two inspiring days with Francis Kong learning leadership and life skills as he present Level Up Leadership on Sept. 23-24 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries, contact Inspire at 09158055910 or call 632-6310912 for details.)