Young People Growing Weary of Daily Routine
I’m 28 years old. I want to quit my civil service job and go on a working holiday.
This is a post from a recent online community. It’s a sentiment that many young professionals can relate to. Some may sympathize, while others might scoff, but this dilemma vividly reflects the reality of our society.
Time Spent on the Subway and Quality of Life
Spending 2-3 hours daily on the subway. Leaving home at 8 AM and returning at 8 PM. The writer’s frustration with this exhausting routine highlights a crucial factor in a worker’s quality of life. The importance of living close to work (known as 직주근접 in Korea) is well acknowledged. In Korea, commuting from Gangdong to Songpa on subway line 8 during rush hour is like a battlefield. Even if more trains are added, the already crowded subways won’t become much more comfortable. Imagine the stress that office workers must endure in such conditions.
Will a Life Unlived Be a Lifetime Regret?
The writer, who wants to quit their job and go on a working holiday, mentions that the happiest time in their life was when they were an exchange student. The yearning to live abroad again is palpable. It’s a longing for life overseas that mere travel cannot satisfy—a feeling that many young people might share. The writer’s statement that they would regret it for life if they don’t go on a working holiday reflects their deep desire.
Is Marriage or Job Change a Solution?
So, will getting married or changing jobs alleviate the current frustration? Many people don’t think so. They feel that marriage or a new job won’t change the fundamental problem. There’s a sense of disillusionment with simply living each day and getting older. This sentiment is something many can relate to.
Ultimately, Quality of Life Matters.
The key takeaway here is the impact of proximity to work on quality of life. If you live close to work, you have time to rest and recharge after work. It’s hard to recharge after being drained by the subway commute.
Whether you choose a working holiday or stick with your current job, what’s important is to respect personal choice. Everyone has the right to find their own path. However, thorough consideration and preparation are necessary. Going on a working holiday won’t solve everything, but neither will sticking with a stable job erase all concerns.
I hope this article offers an opportunity to rethink the concerns of 20-something office workers and the importance of work-life balance. Whether you choose to go on a working holiday or stay at your current job, I support and respect each person’s decision.