Many people work such long hours that they have very little time or energy left for anything else in life. This is widely accepted as what normal responsible grown ups do. If we choose to earn less than our maximum potential, we are seen as slackers. If we live way below our means, we are portrayed as misers. In order to justify a work and spend cycle, we train ourselves to enjoy the finer (code for expensive) things in life.
My family spends a few dollars in gas to go hiking in our local state parks. We do this frequently throughout the year. It brings us closer as a family and creates wonderful memories. We also take expensive trips that add up to several thousand dollars. These trips are exciting, but they do not enhance the quality of our lives exponentially.
I've started measuring cost in terms of work hours. A few years ago we thought of building a nicer house. I calculated that at our present rate of savings, it would take my husband an extra five years of work to pay for the upgrade. Not to mention that the upkeep and maintenance would further increase our annual cost of living, adding even more years of bondage. We decided that the cost in time was too high.
Many people in this world do not have a choice but to work the maximum available hours so that they can feed and shelter their families. If your family can barely afford the hut you're living in, and you don't have food for your next meal, please disregard everything I've written.
Even though you threw out a guilty apology at the end,:) I think what you're trying to say is that the cylce we get into -- work, save, and spend -- doesn't make us content. We rob Peter to pay Paul and, at times, the activity makes us discontent even if it involves higher price tag things. We just went to Mexico, and I would hate for others to think that this makes us happy. What makes me the most happy is working it out with those around me -- doing the day by day. Yes, breaks are nice -- whether a walk in the woods or a trip -- but quality time somehow, even at home -- is beyond what money can buy.
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