Comments on: Better Use of Leisure Time: Self-Improvement Tips from 1950 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/ personal finance that makes cents Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:29:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Sandy E. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-128453 Sandy E. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:32:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-128453 Effective use of time, is different than the efficient use of time. How? Here's a simple answer. The person who watches T.V. is effectively using up time to engage in leisure activity, but the person who uses the same amount of time to study to advance their knowledge is using time efficiently. Both these people use the same amount of time, but what is accomplished is much different. Effective use of time, is different than the efficient use of time. How? Here’s a simple answer. The person who watches T.V. is effectively using up time to engage in leisure activity, but the person who uses the same amount of time to study to advance their knowledge is using time efficiently. Both these people use the same amount of time, but what is accomplished is much different.

]]> By: Vicki http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-109713 Vicki Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:19:31 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-109713 Melissa, Whoa! Would you appreciate a cookie more if it took you 8 hours to eat it? Just because you enjoy doing something doesn't mean you have to spend all day doing it. (Or even every day doing it.) I love working with spreadsheets, but I also love updating my ipod. One pays and one doesn't, but I love doing them both! Melissa,
Whoa!
Would you appreciate a cookie more if it took you 8 hours to eat it?
Just because you enjoy doing something doesn’t mean you have to spend all day doing it. (Or even every day doing it.)
I love working with spreadsheets, but I also love updating my ipod. One pays and one doesn’t, but I love doing them both!

]]> By: Melissa http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-108059 Melissa Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:06:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-108059 heh) I do not envy the people work less than 5 hours a day. It means that they don't love their work. Sigh. heh) I do not envy the people work less than 5 hours a day. It means that they don’t love their work. Sigh.

]]> By: JKF http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100457 JKF Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:29:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100457 curious as to how these researchers define work...as they only seem to consider wage-earning labor as work. Particularly when looking at gender & work, i think it's important to recognize that most women have always been the primary caregivers of children/domestic workers in their homes as well...wonder how these studies were changed if those responsibilities were included. curious as to how these researchers define work…as they only seem to consider wage-earning labor as work. Particularly when looking at gender & work, i think it’s important to recognize that most women have always been the primary caregivers of children/domestic workers in their homes as well…wonder how these studies were changed if those responsibilities were included.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100381 J.D. Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:40:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100381 Matt and Moxieqx, I think you're spot on. Sometimes the most productive use of free time is taking a nap. Or watching a football game. Or simply sitting on the porch, sipping a frosty beverage and talking with a close friend. Matt and Moxieqx, I think you’re spot on. Sometimes the most productive use of free time is taking a nap. Or watching a football game. Or simply sitting on the porch, sipping a frosty beverage and talking with a close friend.

]]> By: Moxiequz http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100380 Moxiequz Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:34:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100380 I absolutely agree with Matt (#10). Spend your leisure time doing what helps you relax - even if that means doing nothing "productive". Sometimes - acutally a lot of times - you just need to let your batteries recharge. There's nothing wrong with that. I think most people switch between "productive" off time and "do-nothing" off time. One isn't inherently better than the other. I absolutely agree with Matt (#10). Spend your leisure time doing what helps you relax - even if that means doing nothing “productive”. Sometimes - acutally a lot of times - you just need to let your batteries recharge. There’s nothing wrong with that. I think most people switch between “productive” off time and “do-nothing” off time. One isn’t inherently better than the other.

]]> By: An Interesting Thought » hrrf http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100361 An Interesting Thought » hrrf Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:58:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100361 [...] This is a post about how people have more free time than ever.  It’s pretty interesting. [...] [...] This is a post about how people have more free time than ever.  It’s pretty interesting. [...]

]]> By: Matt http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100347 Matt Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:46:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100347 I agree with Baker. Who is this average American male head of household (insofar as that exists in any way similar to 1885) who works 4.7 hours per day? I think that was a phenomenon of the tech boom as well. Also, what kind of leisure time can be defined as such if performing activities towards a financial end? Spend your leisure time how you want - that's why it's leisure time. If anyone has read Max Weber, this whole idea reminds me of his theory of the protestant ethic. We're obsessed with being better, being efficient, constantly improving ourselves and living out our duty (destiny). Just enjoy life. All of the centenarians I've read about said the major factor to their longevity was a relaxed attitude. So enjoy life and do what you want on your leisure time (which may include knitting, starting a business or whatever - so long as it is what you want). I agree with Baker. Who is this average American male head of household (insofar as that exists in any way similar to 1885) who works 4.7 hours per day? I think that was a phenomenon of the tech boom as well.

Also, what kind of leisure time can be defined as such if performing activities towards a financial end? Spend your leisure time how you want - that’s why it’s leisure time.

If anyone has read Max Weber, this whole idea reminds me of his theory of the protestant ethic. We’re obsessed with being better, being efficient, constantly improving ourselves and living out our duty (destiny). Just enjoy life. All of the centenarians I’ve read about said the major factor to their longevity was a relaxed attitude. So enjoy life and do what you want on your leisure time (which may include knitting, starting a business or whatever - so long as it is what you want).

]]> By: Ellie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100337 Ellie Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:04:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100337 I am currently working two jobs and taking 24 credit hours toward a business degree. The leisure time I do have is spend doing things that are productive like needle work or knitting. I can't just sit and watch tv I have to be doing something productive and something I can see a result from. I am not sure about the time I spend doing these things but it is not much between everything else. I try to use my leisure time to make christmas/birthday presents for family and friends, there is my saving side and I feel people see handmade presents as more semiental I am currently working two jobs and taking 24 credit hours toward a business degree. The leisure time I do have is spend doing things that are productive like needle work or knitting. I can’t just sit and watch tv I have to be doing something productive and something I can see a result from. I am not sure about the time I spend doing these things but it is not much between everything else. I try to use my leisure time to make christmas/birthday presents for family and friends, there is my saving side and I feel people see handmade presents as more semiental

]]> By: Justin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100321 Justin Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:08:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100321 Am I the only one that thinks that some of this might be the increasing older demographic? I mean, wouldn't the same force that's killing social security also effect the average number of working hours? That said, the "normal" 40-hour work week divides to a little more than 5.7 hours a day (after weekends). I'm in that club, but I rarely get sick also (blessed with a great immune system). I do have to admit that I "mope" away a lot of my leisure time, though it is something that I've realized and am trying to change. I watch a couple TV shows and my football games, and mostly play video games otherwise. Am I the only one that thinks that some of this might be the increasing older demographic? I mean, wouldn’t the same force that’s killing social security also effect the average number of working hours?

That said, the “normal” 40-hour work week divides to a little more than 5.7 hours a day (after weekends). I’m in that club, but I rarely get sick also (blessed with a great immune system).

I do have to admit that I “mope” away a lot of my leisure time, though it is something that I’ve realized and am trying to change. I watch a couple TV shows and my football games, and mostly play video games otherwise.

]]> By: Ben Krull http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100282 Ben Krull Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:53:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100282 This video is so classic that it is hilarious by today's standards. I also think the average hours working is more affected by increasing education and life expectancy. This video is so classic that it is hilarious by today’s standards. I also think the average hours working is more affected by increasing education and life expectancy.

]]> By: June http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100262 June Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:11:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100262 I think the 4.5 hours a day is definitely off. I personally put in 11-12 hour days regularly, plus weekends. I think the 4.5 hours a day is definitely off. I personally put in 11-12 hour days regularly, plus weekends.

]]> By: Dagens länkar « Systemkollaps http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100260 Dagens länkar « Systemkollaps Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:39:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100260 [...] Get Rich Slowly om värdet av att ta vara på sin fritid. Jag har märkt att många som klagar över att de lider av tidsbrist (mig själv inklusive) i själva verket inte gör detta med absoluta mått mätt, utan vad de saknar är produktiv tid. Lösningen är att höja sin effektivitetsgrad. Upp ur TV-sofforna och gör något vettigt med era liv! [...] [...] Get Rich Slowly om värdet av att ta vara på sin fritid. Jag har märkt att många som klagar över att de lider av tidsbrist (mig själv inklusive) i själva verket inte gör detta med absoluta mått mätt, utan vad de saknar är produktiv tid. Lösningen är att höja sin effektivitetsgrad. Upp ur TV-sofforna och gör något vettigt med era liv! [...]

]]> By: Shark Girl http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100259 Shark Girl Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:53:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100259 Hey! I don't like that reference of "internet surfing" being compared to moping. :-) If that's moping then you are an accesorie to my misery because I found your site by "moping" and now that makes you a contributor to my delinquency. People wouldn't surf if they didn't have a need to find information. Great tips though. I'm still trying to catch up from all your other posts. I'm a new subscriber. Hey! I don’t like that reference of “internet surfing” being compared to moping. :-)

If that’s moping then you are an accesorie to my misery because I found your site by “moping” and now that makes you a contributor to my delinquency. People wouldn’t surf if they didn’t have a need to find information.

Great tips though. I’m still trying to catch up from all your other posts. I’m a new subscriber.

]]> By: Baker http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100257 Baker Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:42:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100257 I'd be far more interested if they were able to use more current statistics. I understand why that is hard to do but I think things have drastically changed since 1995. I think the shorter hours movement faded with the tech boom and that the US now truly works far more hours. Look at any vacation comparison between countries. We take FAR less vacation than almost anyone else. How many people now leave the office but carry a PDA, laptop, Blackberry, etc. These people are now connected to the office 24/7 and a lot of bosses expect them to respond to e-mail after work. Also the UN recently released a study saying that US workers "stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20572828/ It is an interesting study but I honestly feel the statistics they are using are far to outdated in todays fast pace world to have any real validity. I’d be far more interested if they were able to use more current statistics. I understand why that is hard to do but I think things have drastically changed since 1995. I think the shorter hours movement faded with the tech boom and that the US now truly works far more hours. Look at any vacation comparison between countries. We take FAR less vacation than almost anyone else.

How many people now leave the office but carry a PDA, laptop, Blackberry, etc. These people are now connected to the office 24/7 and a lot of bosses expect them to respond to e-mail after work.

Also the UN recently released a study saying that US workers “stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20572828/

It is an interesting study but I honestly feel the statistics they are using are far to outdated in todays fast pace world to have any real validity.

]]> By: Aaron Stroud http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100249 Aaron Stroud Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:30:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100249 Interesting find. I had time for the video, but the article will have to wait for later. I think it's interesting how the time spent on traveling has returned to 1880 levels. I suspect the commuting time is far worse today than the 1995 amount quoted. But the tide may change directions again thanks for telecommuting. And the regained time will drop right back into the free time category. Come to think of it, it might be healthier to think of free time as "spare time." Words are important. If we think of our spare time as "free" time, we might not make as good use of the time. Just as the young man earning "spending money" probably will spend the money instead of putting it to a better use. Interesting find. I had time for the video, but the article will have to wait for later. I think it’s interesting how the time spent on traveling has returned to 1880 levels.

I suspect the commuting time is far worse today than the 1995 amount quoted. But the tide may change directions again thanks for telecommuting. And the regained time will drop right back into the free time category.

Come to think of it, it might be healthier to think of free time as “spare time.” Words are important. If we think of our spare time as “free” time, we might not make as good use of the time. Just as the young man earning “spending money” probably will spend the money instead of putting it to a better use.

]]> By: FinanceAndFat http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100246 FinanceAndFat Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:06:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/14/better-use-of-leisure-time-self-improvement-tips-from-1950/#comment-100246 Funny that you mention World of Warcraft. That game absolutely destroyed my productivity by eating ALL of my 'free' time for about a year and a half. Since quitting, I've started a blog, picked up freelance work on the side, and I get so much more done around the house. It's nice to look back at my week and know that I accomplished something- something that doesn't just exist in a digital, pixelized world somewhere. :) Funny that you mention World of Warcraft. That game absolutely destroyed my productivity by eating ALL of my ‘free’ time for about a year and a half. Since quitting, I’ve started a blog, picked up freelance work on the side, and I get so much more done around the house.

It’s nice to look back at my week and know that I accomplished something- something that doesn’t just exist in a digital, pixelized world somewhere. :)

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