How do you define ‘quality of life’? You do need a definition, a description or how else will you know you are or are not experiencing it? Additionally, your definition may not be similar to anyone else – we all have our own definitions. Regardless, what are you doing right now to attain your quality of life? What are your basic needs that comprise your components and which ones are in the ‘it would be nice’ category? Are you willing to settle for less than what you want or will you continue to work to complete your roster?
I suspect there are certain basic components we all share such as shelter, food, safety. However, then we get into the ‘refinement’ stage on these because what may be satisfactory for one may not meet the minimum standard for another. There may be agreement on the components that make up our quality of life but how this gets defined may differ significantly. And… these components may not be ordered in the same way. What may be critically important to me may be only slightly important for you.
If you aren’t working toward he accomplishment of your goal then you are in a survival mode… or you are in the immediate gratification mode. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with enjoying the fruits of your labors now but it is self defeating to use up all your resources. The ‘eat, drink and be merry’ philosophy shouldn’t be the guide but neither should you overly sacrifice. You can strike a balance.
Whatever age you are, it isn’t too early to consider this question for yourself. The obvious reason is that you want to be able to experience and enjoy your quality of life regardless of your age. There is no reason to work to be able to experiences this ‘when you retire’. It isn’t totally for then and there, it is also a here and now. As you are on your journey to be able to experience the fullness of what quality of life is for you, enjoy the ‘level’ you have already attained.
