From 9-5 to 24/7?

I know it's a bit of a stretch stating that the 9-5 work model has been evolved into a 24/7 model, but this stems from the fact that the latter is generally built on a platform that operates 24 hours, 7 days.

An interesting contrast that I've notice between the two models is that the 9-5 model is regulated from the outside or externally. You're told when to clock in, when to clock out, what tasks to do, how to do them etc.

With the 24/7 model, it's almost quite the opposite, there's not a clearly defined routine, so to speak, especially at the start.

I think part of the reason being that the digital space is very dynamic, in the sense that almost everything is constantly evolving, which also has an effect of creating myriads of new opportunities and challenges on an almost ongoing basis.

In a way, you need to learn self-regulation, and be able to prioritize and manage your own time effectively. Otherwise, being constantly overwhelmed will be a normal state of mind.

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It's both a blessing and a curse, in that the abundance of opportunities available in the digital realm is a perfect recipe to creating a form of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), where one might feel compelled to always be "on" and working. I've experienced this a lot, staying "online" way past my bedtime.

Infinite Race Track

Sometimes, it's also competitive, the logic being that while you're asleep, someone else somewhere, is working, getting ahead of you. Stay on the grind to stay ahead type of mindset. Definitely, a half-truth when I look back at it now.

Add to that, the human desire to never be satisfied with almost anything, and to constantly chase the next big thing and you get to understand how and why this 24/7 mentality is addictive and relentless.

But, the physical limitations of the human body means that this model is often unsustainable in practice. We have a physical component that the digital realm is oblivious to.

Our biological needs for rest, relaxation, and personal time outside of that realm cannot be ignored, lest we risk burnout and deterioration of our physical health and well-being.

I won't say this is another form of human dilemma, but it's really interesting for me to observe this push and pull dynamic.

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My mind is up there, churning out ideas, connecting dots, building models and frameworks but when it comes to executing on them, I have to move with the pace of my body down here, which is quite slow and limited by its capabilities.

In that regard, it makes sense why it is said that the human body is made to collect berries and not eat them.

It more or less highlights the fundamental disconnect between our biological nature and the new demands of living in a modern, hyper-connected world. It'll probably take a while before the body adapts to it, if ever.


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