"اینقدر سرگرم امرار معاش نشو که فراموش کنی زندگی کنی"

Life is often a balancing act between our obligations and our passions. This idea, in essence, is what the quote is trying to remind us: It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, but we shouldn't let that overshadow the importance of living a fulfilling life. Work is necessary, of course—we need to make money to support ourselves and our families. But if we spend all our time working, we might find that we've missed out on the experiences and relationships that truly make life meaningful.

Historically, this idea has been relevant for as long as people have had jobs. In the early industrial era, for instance, many worked long hours in harsh conditions with little regard for personal well-being. Fast forward to today, and it seems we still struggle with the same issue, albeit in a different form. The modern hustle culture glorifies being perpetually busy and always "on the grind," making it easy to neglect the things that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work.

Let’s take a real-life example to illustrate this. Think about Sarah, a young professional climbing the corporate ladder. She works 60-hour weeks, attends every networking event, and is constantly checking her emails. Her career is blossoming—promotions, raises, accolades. But then, she misses her best friend's wedding because of a work trip. She skips family dinners and doesn't have time for her hobbies. One day, she realizes she’s lonely and stressed, feeling disconnected from the things that used to bring her joy. This is the trap we’re warned about in the quote.

So how can you avoid Sarah's fate? First, set boundaries. Decide when your workday ends and stick to it. Turn off your email notifications after hours. Schedule time for activities you love, whether it’s reading a book, going for a hike, or having dinner with friends. Make these activities as non-negotiable as a meeting with your boss. Also, remember to take breaks during your workday. Short pauses can boost your productivity and improve your well-being.

Now, imagine a scene: You're at a coffee shop with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. You both talk about your lives, your successes, your challenges. Your friend asks about your recent vacation, but you have nothing to share—because you haven’t taken one in years. You realize you’ve been so busy making a living that you’ve forgotten to live. Reflecting on this, you decide to make a change. You book a weekend getaway, turn off your work phone, and spend time reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones.

Living a balanced life isn’t just about managing time; it’s about prioritizing what truly matters. Sure, career success is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, happiness, and relationships. So next time you're tempted to work late, think about what you might be missing out on. Call a friend, cook a meal, or simply relax. Remember, making a life is just as important—if not more so—than making a living.