4 HWW people unhappy?

[jetpacklife]

If people happier when they working, people who work less would be unhappy.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/why-your-free-time-is-boring.html

Thus we have the paradoxical situation: On the job people feel skillful and challenged, and therefore feel more happy, strong, creative and satisfied. In their free time people feel that there is generally not much to do and their skills are not being used, and therefore tend to feel more sad, weak dull and dissatisfied. Yet they would like to work less and spend more time in leisure.

It seems like Tim does most of their suggestions. .. None of which look that fun to me.

[wildsoul]

I think Tim is exceedingly clear in his book that the point is to free up time to do other things that you love! It's not about just having time to do nothing.

[final_id]

Filling the void -- a major portion of Tim's book -- is a problem for some.

I've been lucky that I've had long periods of time in my life when I've been unemployed (heh, "lucky"?), for various reasons. I was a grad student and fell into the "non-working" lifestyle for a while (I had a decent scholarship, so my "job" was to study and get paid for it); at another time, I had an elderly relative who couldn't live alone, so (although she didn't require any medical attention) all I had to do all day was make sure she didn't fall over. :P The rest of our family made sure we had money for utilities, bills, food, entertainment. In both these occasions my "work" responsibilities were minimal to none, although my presence was required at 'most all times. It wasn't GREAT fun, sure, because it meant not building up my career the way other people might wish to do; but it was quite similar to what Tim advocates that we try to build up in our own lives, a set of free time during which we can work on WHAT WE WANT rather than on what we HAVE TO merely because our job dictates it.

I think Tim would "fill his void" with excitement. He says as much. This, to me, indicates that he is one of the four major personality types which Myers-Briggs testing categorizes humans into. The types I'm talking about are as follows:

Sensory Feeler
Sensory Thinker
Intuitive Thinker
Intuitive Feeler

The distinction between "intuitive" and "sensory" is basically, do you prefer overall gists and generalizations, or do you prefer raw data and specific sensory input?

Each of these four types has a major "life goal" that gives them the most fulfillment. The Sensory Feeler seeks sensations -- these are the people who would bungee-jump for the thrill of it, and then get a facial spa massage in order to experience the nerve-tingling luxury in their skin. I think Tim fits into that camp. For him and his ilk, sensation, thrill, and (as Tim puts it) excitement, are what make life worth living.

The other types have other "goals." The Sensory Thinker wants security (according to Myers and Briggs, at least!). These are the engineers and conventional thinkers of the world. They're actually HAPPY with a regular job. Yick! The Intuiters want something more nebulous: Intuitive Feelers require empathy or connection with other humans (these people would be likely to found non-profits that do good work in order to fill their voids) while the Intuitive Thinkers (myself) want "identity" or "authenticity." Though, for me, those terms seem rather vague, I do admit that my main thrust in life has always been, to make a big name for myself, to put my stamp onto creative works of art in such a manner that the me-myself-and-I of it is incontrovertibly my own. So, I guess that's "identity" or "authenticity."

I hope I recalled all this Myers-Briggs stuff accurately.

Anyway, it's an interesting point, that the life-hack analysis suggests that one the one hand we want to work less, but on the other we only appreciate our life the most when we work more. The thing I'm seeking is the occasion to have TIME to get the rest of my life more in line with the goals that I value. The typical work situation (office job, 8 to 5) offers security, so the Sen-Th types will be comfortable with it. The problem is, that's only a quarter of the human population! The rest of us are left struggling, trying to make a life that feels worthwhile on the basis of a system that prevents it.

Enter Tim's program, or any of a number of other opt-outs from the rat race.

Another interesting point is, that the M-B types aren't supposed to imply any judgment. Any given type is both good and bad, and people are happy when they find a way to remain true to their own type. Thing is, I don't really respect the vapid thrill-seekers of the world. You know, surf-dudes who make the bull-horns shape with their fingers, say "Gnarly wave dude!" and hang out on the beach. Their quest for "cool experiences," to me, goes a bit too far into the realm of self-indulgence. I try not to be judgmental, but it seems to me it would make so much more sense for them to get some responsibility toward their fellow man.

In this sense, some of Tim's comments about "filling the void" don't ring totally true to me. On the one hand, I respect his right to seek "excitement" but on the other, I wish he'd take some of that $80,000.oo per month that he claims to be earning, and turn it over to some worthy cause. Being open-minded about M-B type differences, for me, only goes so far. And I'm not even of the type which supposedly prefers working for worthy causes -- that's the Int-Feel, but I'm an Int-Th.

In similar manner, I'm not particularly respectful of the "rat race victims" who do it for security. M-B typology would say that the security-seekers (Sen-Th) are actually HAPPY in that role of rat in a maze, doing what the corporate bosses require. I utterly disagree. I think nobody is really happy working for someone else, especially never in an office environment. It just isn't humanly possible. Sure, their typology might suggest that they're doing what is closest to best for themselves, but I don't think their lives couldn't improve with a Muse.

Well, that's some thoughts about typology, and Tim's goals, and filling the void. Remember that Tim is of one type, and his method of filling the void might not mesh with your own. Even if you don't agree with the M-B typologies, you can still recognize that your own method of filling the void can be whatever you wish it to be. If you're a thrill seeker, you can seek thrills, and if you're an authenticity seeker, then you can ... well, I dunno, I'm still working on that for myself! :)

[Vagabond]

I'm very familiar with MBTI and im an ISTP so I have that same interest in identity and authenticity. But for me its all about "cool experiences" and I think surfing would be a good example (although Ive never surfed). But I want to get my pilots license (they say that interestingly a vast majority of pilots are ISTP types), I want to learn to scuba dive, and travelling the activity that "excites" me the most. I would love to travel for months on end and go watch erupting volcanoes in costa rica. For me its experiences for me that make life worth living and that is how i measure authenticity. Authentic, real and tangible experiences..

[jetpacklife]

Well, I'm certainly am an introvert, so meeting lots of random people doesn't thrill me. I'd rather have a few very close friends. That said, I'm still jealous of people that can travel all over and have a great time everywhere. I'm sure it's a part of their personality that make their time more enjoyable and have fun at all sorts of experiences.

I am looking for something better to do with my time though, and my main goal of my travels right now is to find a new place to live where I can enjoy my 4hww better.

[shultice24]

I want to be a freelancer, teaching myself skills in many different areas, and trying them out in the biz world. If I fail to make a dime of profit, who cares, I will have my muse.

[Vagabond]

Well, I'm certainly am an introvert, so meeting lots of random people doesn't thrill me. I'd rather have a few very close friends. That said, I'm still jealous of people that can travel all over and have a great time everywhere. I'm sure it's a part of their personality that make their time more enjoyable and have fun at all sorts of experiences.

I am looking for something better to do with my time though, and my main goal of my travels right now is to find a new place to live where I can enjoy my 4hww better.



Actually im kind of an introvert also but I remember when I took the MBTI i was one point more on the introvert scale thaqn the extreovert so i was cassified as a mild introvert. I like meeting new people as long as its on a smaller scale, like if I went to go scuba diving ont he great barrier reef and there was a few other people on the boat id like that, i dont like meeting tons of new people within a short period of time though....

i remember reading and like the book, the introvert advantage. gave me some good insight and helped explain why i felt "drained" after being an extrovert and how we need time to "recharge".. it was spot on for me...

[wildsoul]

Vagabond brings up a great point.

One fast way to tell if you're introverted or extroverted is to determine "when I need to get my energy back, do I like to be with other people or alone?"

A strong extrovert will feel BETTER hanging out with people or doing action-oriented activities.

A stong introvert will want to be totally alone and do quiet activities like reading.

I'm an ENFJ or INFJ, depending when I take the test. Right on the extrovert/introvert cusp. But to get my energy back, I need to TOTALLY be alone. So I call myself an "extroverted introvert."

[yuugen]

I am also one of those slightly extroverted introverts. My personality is certainly different from Tim Ferriss, which is why parts of the book grated at me. According to it, if I didn't want to pack all my life with exotic trips around the world, I was a failure. Traveling to me is usually more stressful than exciting, and although I do want to go many places, I don't feel the need to live there. I have other life goals and plans.

[wildsoul]

Coincidently, a friend of mine sent me an online survey for Myers-Briggs and something called Multiple Intelligences yesterday.

Here's the link to my biz blog, where I shared my results as well as the link so you can take the test.
What's Your Personality Type? (http://www.inspirationalbusiness.com/2007/07/whats-your-pers.html)

[final_id]

To Vagabond, who said he was an ISTP: isn't it the case that most ST's prefer excitement and highly sensory (even if serene and calm) experiences? You mention "so I have that same interest in identity and authenticity" in reference to your ST status, but I had understood that those goals went more in hand with an NT?

Anyway, that's just the details. I know I'm an "identity" seeker, regardless of my Myers-Briggs thing.

Another question I often have is about meeting attractive members of the opposite sex while traveling. I've always had a hard time getting a decent date, and in the USA the best settings I've experienced have been in longer-term institutions -- six months in a choir, and by the second half of the season I'm the "go-to" guy for Tenor solos and also I'm dating one (or two) of the sopranos. But for the first three months, I'm lonely. If I were to start traveling like Tim does, I think I'd just be lonely all the time. I don't know if I want that or not.

He seems to have a real knack for "peak experiences" and that probably attracts people to him. I wonder if he and his Tango partner were dating? I wonder what some of the New Rich do about finding love? I wonder if anyone has any views on THAT portion of the "filling the void."

[Drewkerr]

Thats the hardest thing for me is going alone. it can be hard, you either need to have friends that want to travel & have the money, friends abroad to visit, or pay for someone to come with you, or get a hobby.

I am a Rotarian, which is a civic group. I am a member of a local club in NC. There are over 32,000 clubs world wide, so that gives me an instant bond with someone. Every club meets for a meal and meeting once a week, and then does different things throughout the year from cookouts, to service projects and fund raising. I am planning on doing a lot of volunteer work to meet people and occupy some time while overseas.

Drew

[Vagabond]

To Vagabond, who said he was an ISTP: isn't it the case that most ST's prefer excitement and highly sensory (even if serene and calm) experiences? You mention "so I have that same interest in identity and authenticity" in reference to your ST status, but I had understood that those goals went more in hand with an NT?

Anyway, that's just the details. I know I'm an "identity" seeker, regardless of my Myers-Briggs thing.

Another question I often have is about meeting attractive members of the opposite sex while traveling. I've always had a hard time getting a decent date, and in the USA the best settings I've experienced have been in longer-term institutions -- six months in a choir, and by the second half of the season I'm the "go-to" guy for Tenor solos and also I'm dating one (or two) of the sopranos. But for the first three months, I'm lonely. If I were to start traveling like Tim does, I think I'd just be lonely all the time. I don't know if I want that or not.

He seems to have a real knack for "peak experiences" and that probably attracts people to him. I wonder if he and his Tango partner were dating? I wonder what some of the New Rich do about finding love? I wonder if anyone has any views on THAT portion of the "filling the void."


I'm not sure how the MBTI defines "identity" however I am a very introspective person and I try to examine myself to make sure that the decisions I make are true to my own core value and beliefs and not imposed on me by society. When I think of "authenticity" I equate that with "peak experiences" because I feel like those are some of lifes true and authentic experiences. Also, although im an ISTP im a borderline I/E and I may also be a borderline S/N (dont remember). The only thing I do remember is that i'm a very strong perceiving type which is very accurate. I have a vague and often poor sense of time...

But you're definitely right, i'm all about sensory experiences and excitement and "living in the moment." I love to not plan things and let things unfold. When I went backpacking in europe for 2 months I barely planned anything. I had 1 flight planned from Ireland to Rome and that was it... Prob why im into trance music and clubs... why i have a motorcycle and why im training for a marathon...

[final_id]

Training for a marathon counts as extreme long-term planning, in my book. :)

[Vagabond]

Training for a marathon counts as extreme long-term planning, in my book. :)

perhaps ;) but its all shades of grey because the actual training is a sensory experience. pushing through the pain when you want to stop and the ultimate goal of crossing the finish line as well...

[jetpacklife]

Another question I often have is about meeting attractive members of the opposite sex while traveling. I've always had a hard time getting a decent date, and in the USA the best settings I've experienced have been in longer-term institutions -- six months in a choir, and by the second half of the season I'm the "go-to" guy for Tenor solos and also I'm dating one (or two) of the sopranos. But for the first three months, I'm lonely. If I were to start traveling like Tim does, I think I'd just be lonely all the time. I don't know if I want that or not.

Interesting. I probably fall into the same boat. I usually don't meet people when I travel. I wish I could find more institutions with people that I'd be compatible with. The previous institutions that worked well for me was College and Work at internet companies. I don't have those anymore, so, I'm sorta stumped as to what to do.

I find it interesting that Tim didn't talk much about dating in his book. I'm wondering if he's holding back his tips for a second book on a 4 hours to finding love.

[AskAphrodite]

I find it interesting that Tim didn't talk much about dating in his book. I'm wondering if he's holding back his tips for a second book on a 4 hours to finding love.

Aha. That makes sense. It's along the lines of the question I asked in the forum on "Eliminate" for how to interrupt the interruptions of emails, phone calls and face to face meetings in order to find love more efficiently.

[Bippy]

Another question I often have is about meeting attractive members of the opposite sex while traveling... But for the first three months, I'm lonely. If I were to start traveling like Tim does, I think I'd just be lonely all the time. I don't know if I want that or not.

I wonder if he and his Tango partner were dating? I wonder what some of the New Rich do about finding love? I wonder if anyone has any views on THAT portion of the "filling the void."

I had that experience too, when I was cycling up the coast of California. For a month and a half it was fun, then just depressing/crushingly loney.

I think Tim handles it by making gym buddies and dancing buddies- he did mention in the book that sports are great for making friends when your language is still in the "Me Tarzan, you Jane" stage.

I seriously doubt he and his tango partner were dating. Few dance partners are romantic partners anyway, and if she was a professional dance instructor when they met, that pretty much sets up the relationship right there. Sort of like it's not likely you'll date a yoga instructor if you meet them in class.

Thats the hardest thing for me is going alone. it can be hard, you either need to have friends that want to travel & have the money, friends abroad to visit, or pay for someone to come with you, or get a hobby.

I am a Rotarian, which is a civic group. I am a member of a local club in NC. There are over 32,000 clubs world wide, so that gives me an instant bond with someone. Every club meets for a meal and meeting once a week, and then does different things throughout the year from cookouts, to service projects and fund raising. I am planning on doing a lot of volunteer work to meet people and occupy some time while overseas.

Drew

I'm trying to figure out how to shanghai a friend into going with my on my travels, but I like your idea of the Rotarian group. I'm not much of a joiner (hahahahahaha, oh, the delicious understatement there) so I'm not sure if that will work for me long term but it's sure worth a shot!

[final_id]

I like being alone. I like sex with attractive women. I guess my problem is, I'm trying to engage in two contradictory wish-fulfillment systems. :)