I'm 33 and in a masters program for computer science. I work part-time teaching one class a semester at a local college. My finances are all taken care of and I have savings each month. Yet, I still feel guilty, or partially ashamed, that I don't work as much as other people. Maybe I'm lazy or lack ambition, but I'd rather spend my spare time working out and studying. Admittedly, I dick off sometimes and play video games, but not too much.

This is definitely an insecurity of mine. My work situation / lifestyle was one of the reasons my long-term girlfriend recently left me. She worked a lot and was career-minded. I worked maybe 10 hours a week teaching and took 3 courses at a local college, so that disparity definitely drove a wedge into our relationship.

So, should I work more even if I don't necessarily have to right now? Is it "okay" that I just work part-time as I pursue my studies? I just feel weird and insecure about this. The breakup is still fresh so I think my self-confidence is still wounded so other people's perceptions of me are hitting harder than they should.

>>33379524 (OP)
It is totally okay. You've been conditioned by society to want to work more, but you should ignore that shit. Don't feel guilty. Enjoy living a better life than nearly everyone

>>33379596
Thanks man. It really messes with me sometimes.

Work to live, don't live to work. If you like doing it, hey go for that grind, but there is no inherent point in making more than you need. Do you think artists, scholars, and monks feel like that? No, they just forgoe luxury and do what they love. Whatever it is those three groups of people do.

>>33379658
Thanks man. I appreciate the wise words

>>33379524 (OP)
Enjoy it while it lasts. One day you will be married with kids and will be working 50+ hours a week only to get to the end of the month with your wallet empty and your soul crushed.

If I had a chance to work 10 hours a week and spend the rest of the time with my loved ones and working out I would take it in a heartbeat

>>33379524 (OP)
>Male: Works 10 hours a week. Lots of time to spend on personal projects and relationship
>Female: "you don't work enough" *leaves*

>Male: Starts working 40 hours a week and has barely any energy left to do anything in the little spare time he has
>Female: "You work too much" *leaves*

Hmm ... I don't know, man. I really don't know ...
If your finance are good enough and you are able to sustain yourself with 10 hours a week, then maybe it's not you who is the problem, but the retarded female? In fact most of females are nut jobs like that, so I wouldn't bother too much about the hole. Do what makes you happy. Just saying.

>>33380081
Thanks bud. I'm going to try and let myself enjoy the present, rather than beat myself up just based on how others may see me.
>>33380130
yea it didn't really make sense. I was a great boyfriend. I know it coulda translated a a lack of drive/ambition, which isn't attractive, but if I was working full-time, that would've also put a strain on us. O well..