We can critique how I choose to spend my time, but what about the alternatives? Play video games with strangers? Drink and dance? Play board games with friends? Go to church / mosque every day? Walk down paths to see pretty streams? Smoke pot and watch cartoons? Strum a guitar for hours in a subway?
In my book, it’s not my place to judge others, provided no one is harming me. I think anyone can do what ever they’d like — have at it. Society needs different kinds of people.
For me, it’s about family.
I work probably 40-50hrs a week coding/architecting and 10-20hrs a week managing a farm [cows, hay, honey] (plus 2-3 weeks out of the year doing 12 hr day harvesting).
The rest of the time I’m with my family. That’s 4-7hrs every morning and a couple hours every evening. I see my kids more than most. Importantly, I’m providing for my children — I teach them what I know, help them grow and provide for their needs.
My ancestors gave me what I have and I personally believe I have a duty to live up to all I can be. Yes; that means working hard, building a legacy and leaving our civilization (hopefully) better than we received it.
Working less wouldn’t aid in my objectives. I want to be the best in my field. It wouldn’t help my family to be less / worse. What most people should really ask themselves are what’s their purpose. With purpose you can orient yourself appropriately.