Work less, live more!

England Transport Department Minister Ruth Kelly left the public service to "bring the family back to the top." And Tony Fadell, one of the founders of the iPad, gave up one of the most prestigious positions in the international corporation Apple to be near children. However, this trend is not only followed by people with world names and fame.

Now for many, changing jobs to one that involves more free time is a priority. The new life philosophy belies the outdated model when work and earnings were the only tools of self-realization and personal success.

The new scale of values in times of economic crisis proved to be more effective, and family, relations, internal harmony became the basis on which life can (and should) be built.

Today applicants prefer less salary, but more freedom

"I don 't have the most standard job, and I don 't make a career," Maria, 32, tells me, "but I make a living, and I 'm enough. I like what I do, my schedule leaves room for personal life: travel, friends, reading. And things like the stock market crash don 't interest me much. "

"The freedom to distribute your time is really a necessary value," confirms Alessandra Rizzi, the human resources director of the world 's leader in the recruitment market, Randstad, "I notice it at every interview. Many candidates today prefer less pay, but more freedom. And they favor firms that are positive about charity. "

Create pressing need

"I 'm an illustrator," says Anna, 29, "drawing in my spare time. I like to see my work published in magazines. I love this moment: at the table, with a pencil in my hand, only me and my challenge to myself. How many do I earn? Not really there is a lot of. But every working day gives me a sense of creativity. "

Such a view is far from workaholism. "The work is not only a way of self-reliance," explains Stefano Geno, an assistant professor of social psychology at Milan Catholic University, "it is one of those classes that most satisfies the need to produce, to be included in reality, to see the result of their actions, which is essential for any person."

Take risks: try new professions

"I had to fight my parents for quite a long time to make them accept that I was not going to work in my father 's accounting office," says Alexander, 34, "I do not share my father 's views on life at all: he is pleased that he has a prestigious office, is proud of big earnings... Why do they to him if he spends his whole life at work, including the New Year holidays, and my mother left him for a teacher who has more free time? I opened a small online store, my employment is small, and I have time left to just live. "

Success today is not money and career, but the possibility of creative expression

"The definition of career and success has changed," explains Massimo Cardani, an Italian coach, "in the collective imagination, the hero is no longer someone who has gained power or achieved a highly paid position, but one who, with all creativity and capabilities, is able to build a professional path that meets his personal needs."

"For me, career and success mean getting better at what I do, realizing my creative abilities rather than making more money," says Mark, 48.

Believe in yourself

"Sometimes the idea of a career imposed by parents or surroundings comes into conflict with real desires," continues Massimo Cardani.

"I work in the Ministry of Environmental Protection: I am engaged in what is truly useful, I am not overwhelmed by responsibility, I do not suffer from stress, I have a calm, measured life," - shares 38-year-old Mark.

Change at any age

More free time and pleasure from work want not only young people, but also those who try to start again. The period from 45 to 55 years inclusive is becoming critical for many, with staff shrinking due to the crisis and many professionals, including the elderly, left unemployed. For some, this is the end of everything, for others, a new opportunity.

"When I was offered to retire prematurely in the company, I was terrified," said Olga, 52. "However, after a little rest, I found the courage to realize a long dream: I started painting and volunteered." Today Olga lives on retirement and revenue from the sale of her paintings, without luxury, but also without deprivation, and she has enough time to devote it to small patients of the local city hospital.

But is the lifestyle of a "free artist" suitable for everyone? "Too much free time for people who are used to active life and busy schedule is unusual," said Antonella delle Fave, assistant professor of general psychology at the University of Milan, "Most importantly, being able to choose and give yourself the freedom to be who you are."