By Evelyn Pyburn

So Billings, Montana has been noted as a place where people work hard.

Good job!

For all the things we are noted for this is perhaps the best. It’s been my observation over the years that human beings in general seem not only to like to work, but we are hard-wired to work. Whether we intend it or not, hardworking people thrive better than those who don’t, can’t or won’t work.

And, not only do we as individuals do better — in our standard of living, mentally and physically — but all that hard work contributes greatly to a happy, vibrant and robust community in which to live.

And more than that, it is the unleashing of all the ingenuity, creativity and productivity that is involved in work that makes us the strongest nation in the world, of all time. It was the unleashing of citizens to live, create and produce, as we choose, that allowed all that we enjoy in life to happen, while at the same time helping to support everyone around us. It was because of a government that placed individual liberty as a priority that we have choices and opportunity for happiness – to be the best of who we are.

Considering how much our work means to us it is rather confusing about why it tends to be so maligned. The weekends are greeted with glee, we seek means of avoiding work, look forward to retirement, and often complain about our work. Somehow that too must be part of our nature – perhaps the disdain is what incentivizes us to create and generate efficiencies that allow us to create more and to have time to direct to other efforts we enjoy even more.

A good indicator that even when we don’t have to, we still want to work is that most people upon “retirement” are quickly involved in some other endeavor, whether they call it work or not. I hear it from retirees all the time – “I am busier now than I have ever been.”

And in seeing the implosion that happens to those who are not so engaged, one must conclude that there is something about work that is important. Quite frequently when young people – perhaps a very talented singer who quickly rises to stardom and wealth — we see them self-destruct on drugs or flounder in aimlessness; perhaps that is an indicator that we need to be engaged in things that challenge us and gives us purpose no matter our status in life.

Perhaps not having a purpose that involves work is what generates a malaise that leaves so many anxious about how the world sees them or who live in chronic anxiety about the future or are consumed with anger that seems to have no focus.

Perhaps it is absolutely necessary to have that occasional moment of euphoria when we accomplish something — achieve a goal — and can sigh and say, “Ahh!”