[grecy]

> the list never includes ways to spend less time working. It's almost like an unspoken rule.

Having just spent years outside the developed world and "working", I realize now that it is very much a spoken rule that "Thou shalt contribute to the economy".

> I know that to recommend that is to take a chance with your livelihood

That's a strange statement to make - it's like you are agreeing with the unspoken rule!

Working less absolutely doesn't take a chance with your livelihood. Step down to 4 days a week and drive a use car, don't have a TV and don't buy a new cell phone. At the end of the month you'll still have exactly the same money.

Step down to three days a week and just live in a smaller place and cut out more things - you'll still have exactly the same money.

There are no chances being taken there, just choices.

[sgt101]

I think that there is a chance with job security - if you step down you leave the "core group". On the other hand I've seen a lot of people panic about being let go and then realise that actually they have the savings and set up to let them come - abet at a lower "standard" of living than before (no new BMW's, no new 75" TV's, etc). There are limits on this though - especially for folks with kids or dependent relatives. Some people are flogging themselves and living in fear to make other people's end's meet, so to speak.