Australians are increasingly working more and playing less, and it’s a trend that is impacting individuals and families across the nation.

Even politicians are looking to the future and recognising the many benefits of working less and increasing time for the more important components of life.

In his address to the National Press Club last year, Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale flagged a future where we sharpened our collective focus and view work/life balance with more clarity. 

“We want to kick off a conversation about the future of work and start by questioning the entrenched political consensus that a good life can only come from more work,” Senator Di Natale said.

 “And it’s a discussion that should include the things we really value in life, like relationships and being with our loved ones, leisure, sport, volunteering, creativity and all the simple things that make us happy. You know, the important things,” the former general practitioner and public health specialist said. 

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Maybe it’s time to stop feeling guilty about leaving work on time and picking up your toys –  even if you’re an adult. After all, YOLO. 

Gen Zers are always proclaiming YOLO (you only live once), but it is a concept that has been around for quite some time and a catchphrase which, in essence, encourages people not to waste their one-time ticket at this life.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough,” said Hollywood starlet Mae West. 

So, it may just be a good health strategy to encourage your bloke to spend less time at work and more time enjoying his ‘big boy’s toys’. 

“It is important, after a hard week at work, at study or even looking after the family, to have something to look forward to,” said twenty-something Matthew.

Often people are of the misconception that men hide away in their man cave or garage occupying themselves with their latest gizmos and gadgets to the exclusion of all else, but if you find the right hobby it can become a bonding experience for men and their mates and men and their kids.

Cars, guitars, footy, tools, electronics, drones, golf and evening cooking. These are just some of the pastimes which guys can enjoy with their mates or kids.

And while they’ll leave a towel on the floor and the toilet seat up, there is a strange phenomena in play when it comes to their playthings.

“A lot of blokes form strong attachments to their gadgets,” Matthew said. “We look after them because firstly, it’s too expensive to replace them and we don’t want to waste our hard-earned money. And secondly, it is a matter of pride. Every guys wants their special treasures to always be in tip-top condition.”