Rat race is a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power. A rat race is an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit. The phrase equates humans to rats attempting to earn a reward such as cheese, even though cheese is a measly reward. It also refers to a competitive struggle to get ahead financially or routinely. The rat race typically means no work-life balance, no independence, high stress, long commutes, and general dissatisfaction with life. Work-life balance refers to a proportionate way of life. While work is necessary, its purpose is to provide the means to enjoy a satisfying life. One with work-life balance works the necessary hours but has time left to enjoy family and friends, pursuing things he or she enjoys.
Those that participate in the rat race often wish for more independence in their jobs. They would prefer to work for themselves or for a company that gives them ownership of their work. Working for someone else often means allowing someone else to take credit for your efforts and pursuing goals that have no meaning. Independence refers both to the ability to pursue a job without having to work for someone else and financial independence, the ability to support oneself without depending on a paycheck from an employer.
Escaping the "rat race" can have a number of different meanings:
Those that participate in the rat race often wish for more independence in their jobs. They would prefer to work for themselves or for a company that gives them ownership of their work. Working for someone else often means allowing someone else to take credit for your efforts and pursuing goals that have no meaning. Independence refers both to the ability to pursue a job without having to work for someone else and financial independence, the ability to support oneself without depending on a paycheck from an employer.
Escaping the "rat race" can have a number of different meanings:
- Moving into a more rural area.
- Retirement, quitting or ceasing work.
- Moving to a less strenuous job.
- Changing to a different job altogether.
- Working from home.
- Becoming financially independent from an employer.
- Living in harmony with nature.
- Developing detachment from materialistic pursuits.
- Alienation from the norms of society.
Our culture of consumption is often what pulls us into the rat race in the first place. At some point, the stuff you own starts to own you. Whatever you spend your money on, make sure it adds to your quality of life. Once you escape the rat race, you'll be able to move freely and appreciate the world around you without getting dizzy. Remember: Life is a journey, not the destination, and you don't want to spend that journey on a treadmill going nowhere.
"A rat race is for rats. We're not rats. We're human beings. Reject the insidious pressures in society that would blunt your critical faculties to all that is happening around you, that would caution silence in the face of injustice, lest you jeopardize your chances of self-promotion and self-advancement. This is how it starts. And before you know where you are, you're a fully paid-up member of the rat pack. The price is too high. It entails the loss of your dignity and human spirit." -- Jimmy Reid.
"Often, people work long hard hours at jobs they hate, to earn money to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't like." -- Nigel Marsh
