now, perhaps, more than ever before, people are wondering what life is all about, what it is for, The single-minded pursuit of material success is beginning to trouble large numbers of people around the world. They feel the long-hours work culture to make more money to buy more things is eating up their lives, leaving them precious little time or energy for family or leisure. Many are turning to alternative ways of living and downshifting is one of them.
according to a national consulting group, this new approach to work coincides with radical changes in the employment market, where a job is no longer guaranteed and lifetime employment can only be achieved by taking personal responsibility for your career.
Six percent of workers in Britain took the decision to downshifting last year, swapping their highly pressured, stressful positions for less demanding, less time-consuming work which they believe gives them a better balanced life.
One couple who downshifted is Daniel and Liz. They used to work in central London. He was a journalist and she used to work for an international bank. They would commute every day from their large house in the suburbs, leaving their two children with a nanny. Most evening Daniel wouldn't get home until eight or nine o'clock, and nearly twice a month he would have to fly to New York for meeting. They both earned a large amount of money but began to feel that life was passing them by.
Nowadays, they run farm in the mountains of wales. "I'e always wanted to have a farm here," says Daniel, "and we took almost a year to make the decision to downshift. It's taken some getting used to, but it's been worth it. We have to think twice now about spending money on car repairs and we no longer have any holiday. However, I think it's made us stronger as family, and the children are a lot happier.
Liz, however, is not totally convinced. " =I used to enjoy my job, even though it was hard work and long hours. I'm not really a country girl, but I suppose I/m gradually getting used to looking after the animals. One thing I do like though is being able to see more of my children. My tip for other people wanting to do the same is not to think about it too much or you might not do it at all.