I am a mid 40s corporate employee. Early in my career, I never felt comfortable using my time to watch TV, play video games, or generally relax. I liked to by busy building relationships, travelling, pursuing my hobbies, and if those weren't available, I would work extra hours at my job.
This approach made me very successful at work and I enjoyed learning new things. As I got older and started a family, my “free” time shrank and I was no longer willing to work the extra hours. I had fortunately progressed to a senior role with much more flexibility allowing me live a much more balanced life and work for a company I like.
Looking back, I feel like it was a worthwhile trade to work the extra hours in my 20s to give me a richer and more flexible life in my 40s. When I see younger people highlight they don't think it's a good trade to commit to more hours for a company — I totally understand that. But if they are using that time to watch TV and not actively pursue activities that are enriching their lives, I struggle that is a better use of time.
I want to understand this perspective better and I appreciate your views.