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The question, “What do you do in your free time?” is a familiar one, a casual inquiry that often serves as a social lubricant to understand how someone chooses to unwind or pursue personal interests outside the confines of work. Yet, when it was posed to me a couple of weeks ago, the query took on an unexpected depth.
A few weeks ago, I found myself engaged in a conversation with a seasoned ICT industry veteran, a man of many titles and responsibilities. Amidst discussions about our shared experiences in charitable endeavours and professional engagements, he casually posed the question: “So what do you do in your free time?” The simplicity of his question caught me off guard. At that moment, my mind raced with numerous potential responses while feeling different emotions all at once.
You see, unlike many with conventional 9-to-5 jobs and a clear distinction between work hours and personal time, my journey over the past year and a half has been a mosaic of endeavours. From nurturing a startup and steering an NGO to coaching, advising, and immersing myself in research, learning and exploration, my days blend seamlessly between structured work and pursuits that resonate deeply with my passions.
The notion of free time suddenly felt inadequate to describe my reality. I am unemployed in a traditional sense and I don’t feel like any of those endeavours are my work as in (dull and draining) J-O-B. How could I say what do I do in my free time when all of my time is free time yet none of it is free either?
In a life where boundaries between professional engagements and personal passions blur, every moment is potentially free. Time, rather than being compartmentalised into segments of work and leisure, exists as a continuous stream — one where the distinction between obligation and joy becomes increasingly fluid.
So, when confronted with the question, I couldn’t help but challenge its premise. I asked my colleague what exactly is “free time”, and you, my friend, have the same question to ponder about today.
Is it the time left over once work is accounted for, or is it, in fact, all time we possess — our most valuable resource, to be allocated according to our own inclinations and priorities?
Deconstructing "Free Time"
The traditional view positions free time as a scarce commodity, a limited resource to be managed prudently. It’s the time after work usually dedicated to relaxation, hobbies, and social interactions — essential for mental and emotional recharge, or just finishing the tasks one didn’t have the time to do due to busyness at the job. However, this perspective inherently places work at the centre of human existence, with other parts of life as a mere complement. It’s a view shaped by industrialisation, where time is equated with productivity, and value is measured by output.
The Industrial Revolution, with its emphasis on efficiency and specialisation, transformed the relationship between work and other life spheres. The once fluid rhythm of agrarian and artisan life, where work and rest were intertwined, gave way to a rigid dichotomy. The factory clock dictated the pace of existence, and leisure became a scheduled respite from the relentless demands of production. This historical shift solidified the notion of free time as a reward earned through labor, rather than an intrinsic part of human experience.
Furthermore, the consumerist culture that emerged alongside industrialisation and capitalism reinforced the idea of free time as a commodity to be consumed: Leisure activities became marketed as products to be purchased, and the pursuit of happiness was increasingly equated with the acquisition of goods and services. This consumerist mindset further entrenched the belief that free time is a finite resource, to be spent wisely and efficiently.
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The Economics of Time
Indeed, if we look at the broader economic theory, it often treats time as a finite resource to be budgeted, saved, or spent. We talk about “investing” our time, “wasting” time, and “running out of time.” It is subject to scarcity and trade-offs. This framework, while useful for certain analyses, oversimplifies the complex reality of human experience. It fails to account for the qualitative differences in how time is perceived, experienced and valued. Time spent in deep engagement, learning, or connection is fundamentally different from time spent in monotonous or stressful activities. The former often feels expansive, enriching, and even time-dilating, while the latter can contract and deplete our sense of self.
The value we place on time is as diverse as humanity itself. Cultures across the globe have radically different approaches. In Western societies that value punctuality and efficiency, time is often viewed as linear and scarce, a commodity to be maximised. In contrast, cultures from many other parts of the world have a more cyclical concept of time, emphasising relationships and the present moment. In those societies, like mine from the Balkans, for example, flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
Moreover, our perception of time is context-dependent. A task we once dreaded might become enjoyable with newfound skills or a change in perspective. The same hour spent at work can feel like a fleeting moment or an eternity, depending on our engagement and motivation. Thus, the true value of time is not in quantity but in quality and how it resonates with our inner world.
A Paradigm Shift
To truly understand the nature of free time, we must challenge the usual assumptions. Perhaps, instead of viewing free time as a leftover, we should consider it as the default state of human existence. Before the advent of agriculture and industrialisation, humans lived in accordance with natural rhythms, engaging in a variety of activities as needed.
In this pre-industrial era, time was a fluid concept, expanding and contracting according to the demands of the moment. The distinction between activities in life was less pronounced, and the overall experience was one of holistic engagement.
It is in the lives of indigenous cultures that I find echoes of this ancient wisdom. Their harmonious coexistence with the environment reflects a deep understanding of time as a cyclical, rather than linear, phenomenon. Their days are not punctuated by alarms and deadlines but by the rising and setting of the sun, the phases of the moon, and the changing seasons.
I remember being amazed listening about the Asháninka tribe from the Peruvian Amazonia by many things. One of those was how in their indigenous language they don’t have words for days or months as they don’t measure time in the way the modern society does.
The indigenous tribes’ ability to maintain a sense of balance and interconnectedness with the world around them offers a profound contrast to our frenetic, time-obsessed society. Without romanticising, their lifestyle serves as a powerful reminder of what we have lost in our pursuit of progress: a sense of belonging, reverence for nature, and a deep appreciation for the present moment. In many ways, it is also a reminder of what we need to regain.
This perspective challenges the prevailing assumption that work is the primary driver of human fulfilment. While work undoubtedly holds significance, it is but one part of life. Free time, in its broadest sense, encompasses the totality of our existence. It becomes synonymous with life itself, providing the space for personal growth, creativity, connection, and reflection. It is the fertile ground from which our passions, dreams, and aspirations can flourish.
If we embrace the idea that all time is free time, it opens up new possibilities for how we live our lives. Instead of viewing our days as a series of constraints, we can see them as a blank canvas upon which to create our own masterpiece. This requires a shift in mindset, from time management to time cultivation.
It involves making conscious choices about how we spend our time, prioritising activities that align with our values and goals. It means learning to say no to distractions and obligations that drain our energy. It involves cultivating a sense of presence and mindfulness, allowing us to fully experience each moment.
This shift can be challenging, as it requires us to question societal norms and expectations. We may need to redefine success and fulfilment in terms that go beyond material possessions and career advancement. It may involve taking risks, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and exploring new passions. Ultimately, it is about reclaiming our autonomy and agency over our lives.
Time cultivation is not about being constantly busy or productive. It is about creating space for stillness, reflection, and inspiration. The whole Mediterranean is renowned for its relaxed approach to time. Italians cherish il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing), Spaniards are famous for the siesta, Croats in Dalmatia get caught in fjaka, and so on. I suppose it comes naturally to us to embody a philosophy of time as a resource to be enjoyed, rather than consumed.
It is about nurturing our relationships, pursuing our interests, and contributing to the world around us. It is about living a life that is both meaningful and enjoyable. As Seneca wisely observed, “It is not because life is short that we complain of it, but because we waste much of it.” By viewing all time as free time, we liberate ourselves from the tyranny of the clock. We become architects of our own existence, with the power to shape our days according to our desires and aspirations. This is not to say that work or responsibilities should be neglected, but rather that they can be integrated into a broader framework of meaning and purpose.
The modern concepts of “me time” and “work-life balance” reflect a growing awareness of the need for individual well-being and a harmonious integration of different life spheres.
As a counterbalance to the relentless demands of the industrial age and intense pace of modern life, “work-life balance“ concept emphasises the importance of allocating time for pursuits outside of work. I must admit, I find the term “work-life“ somewhat problematic. It implies a false division between work and life, with life happening outside of work. Work is, however, a part of life as a whole.
The real challenge lies in finding a harmonious integration of work and other parts of life, where all aspects enrich and support each other. That‘s the “balance“ we seek – creating a life where work is fulfilling and sustainable, while also allowing for personal growth, relationships, and leisure.
“Me time,” in this context, becomes essential for rejuvenation and productivity. It represents those deliberate moments focused on an individual allowing us to recharge, reflect, nurture their inner selves, and return to their various commitments with renewed energy and focus. Honestly, if I had gotten the question of how I spend my “me time“, this article might not have happened as I am very clear on what I do to prevent burnout and maintain my overall well-being.
From Clock Time to Life Time
The question of whether free time is a leftover or our most valuable resource is ultimately a philosophical one, with no definitive answer. By examining the different perspectives, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the nature of time as a non-renewable resource and how we choose to spend it.
Ultimately, our time is ours to claim. With it, we can build lives of meaning and purpose. Fortunately or not, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to it. Instead, I invite you to challenge your assumptions and behaviour at every turn.
So, let us end with the question I began with: Tell me, my friend,
what is free time to you?
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