What do I think about working?

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While reading this topic, I was reminded of a time when many Koreans went to Germany as miners and nurses during a period of economic hardship.

They worked abroad to support their families and contribute to their country.

In some ways, this is similar to today, as countries like Germany try to attract young workers from India to solve labor shortages.

This shows that labor migration has long been a global pattern.

However, when I think about working itself, I have a slightly different perspective.
I don’t believe humans are born just to work all the time.
Of course, we need money to live, so work is necessary.
But I don’t think it should be the only purpose of life.

I believe we should work hard when we are young and build a stable foundation for the future.

But at some point, when we feel we have done enough, it is important to shift our focus.

In my own life, I had a meaningful realization at the age of 50.
It felt like a kind of awakening—finding a path that truly fits my nature.

From that point, life becomes less about endless ambition and more about balance and peace.

Instead of working endlessly, we should have the courage to step away and pursue other kinds of happiness.

Of course, there are exceptions.
People like Elon Musk devote their lives to ambitious missions, such as preparing humanity for life on Mars.
For them, work is not just a job, but a lifelong purpose.

But for most of us, happiness can come from simple things—
drawing, photography, exercise, or travel.
These may not make money, but they make life richer.

Some people think productivity means constantly working and earning more.
But I believe enjoying life and doing what you love are also important forms of productivity.

So I always tell my children:
work hard when you are young, but when the time comes, don’t be afraid to let go of work and focus on your happiness.

Because life is not only about making a living—
it is about truly living.