Thursday,
February 22,
Live Well - Live Long in
The
ANNOTICO Report
As
opposed to
Live Fast - Die Young?
Discussion of the differences between the
British
and Italian attitudes to the work/life balance.
AgoraVox
The
Citizen Media
Danny
Bernardi
Writer
and lecturer
Thursday
22 February 2007
The Childrens Society is to set up an
independent inquiry to look at all aspects of childhood amid growing concerns
over the health and quality of childrens lives
in the
It
would seem our lives are now lived at breakneck pace with little time for some
of the simpler pleasures. Being idle is a sin and slowing down practically
unthinkable! The importance of paid work and the primacy of economic
competitiveness, whatever the personal costs, is almost accepted wisdom in here
in the
Having
just returned from an extended writing trip to
In
The
importance of taking a few moments out of the day to sit down for a break is
also important for Italians. A coffee stop is considered a virtual human right
and there appears to be a national commitment to living life at an even pace.
Meals can take hours to consume and lunch is a non-negotiable part of the
Italian working day. The typical British schedule, however, leaves us guilt-ridden
if were still for more than a few moments or if we leave our desks for a
break. Sadly, frantic activity and full diaries have become the norm.
Visitors
to
Thus,
a five minute trip out for a pint of milk could take all morning. Italians do
not seem to consider such time wasted - far from it - The Italian Distraction
is an important part of daily life. Ultimately, any way of life is all about
choices. Here in the
Obviously,
I am generalising and there are exceptions to the
rule. I have spoken to a number of young Italians who are educated and
frustrated, seemingly unable to capitalise on their
skills and academic qualifications. Some of these young people told me they
wanted to come to the
There
will also be less time for your friends and you can forget lunch! The leisurely
evening passeggiata with its slow stop for
gelato or coffee will be replaced by the Great British Pub Crawl which involves
liver numbing quantities of alcohol consumed within a staggeringly short time
span. My anecdotal observations of British life seemed to be enough to
discourage most I spoke to.
Sure,
Italy has an underperforming economy, its fair share of corrupt politicians and
the worlds most frustrating bureaucracy but it still possesses a fantastic
quality of life and there are some things money just cant buy. Whats
the point working crazy hours, sacrificing your family and social life if
youre going to die before your time of a stress related disease due to
over work?
It
is no accident the Italians stay healthier for longer than we do. Maybe it is
because they view their existence as a joyful jog rather than some crazy lone
sprint where profits and short term efficiency gains are placed above anything
else.
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