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  • From: Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] The value of time
  • Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:44:24 -0700


On Mar 6, 2008, at 10:05 AM, Clansgian AT wmconnect.com wrote:

On an integrated farmstead just try to put your finger on the ‘value of your
time’. Any dollar figure on it is an illusion and a mental trap that one
easily falls into.

We have different perspectives. I've been mulling this over. This is unfinished but what I have so far:

What Is Time Worth?

From the perspective of my eighth decade, I find myself being less impulsive than I once was, planning more carefully, choosing mostly activities that give me maximal satisfaction. I have diminishing time, so I value it more.

Even before I retired from working mostly for dollars I found myself thinking, “if it’s not fun, don’t do it.” It seems to me that fun is the result of focus, feedback and perception. We are in charge of all three--and all three involve time.

It is luxurious to contemplate doing nothing that is not fun, but then comes trimming toenails, brushing teeth, and cleaning the toilet. The slide down from fun to enjoyment to satisfaction to necessity appears an irrefutable part of life.

Time has an opportunity cost for anyone with more than one interest. I have the disease of too many interests; I am passionate about doing so many things—designing, building, gardening, landscaping, reading, writing—and have so many plans that entail those passions, that I am certain to die before I accomplish half of my goals.

For many people, time has a significant economic value. Hours equal shekels. Time may not be money but it has a personal value due to the awareness of each day’s finite span and all-too-short human lifespans.

You will have a unique perspective on the value of your time. If you are young you may feel it is unlimited. For me it is the most fleeting jewel in my kingdom.





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