Band 9: In many countries, people are spending less time with their families and more time at work. What problems can this cause for individuals and society? What solutions can be introduced to address these problems?

There is a growing tendency for individuals to spend less time with their families. While the desire to provide a high standard of living is the main reason, this phenomenon can result in significant negative consequences in the long run.

Many people believe that the desire to provide a better quality of life is the main contributor to this trend. In contemporary society, quality of life is often associated with financial status. In this sense, many individuals strive to provide better education, healthcare, and other essential services for their families. Achieving these goals may be difficult unless people devote substantial amounts of time to work in order to earn higher salaries. Since these necessities require considerable financial resources, it is understandable why many people work overtime every day. This trend is particularly common in office-based professions, where salary levels are closely linked to employees’ productivity and workload. Japan is a compelling example of a country with one of the highest rates of overwork among employees. Many Japanese workers prioritize higher salaries over family relationships. Additionally, many people delay getting married and having children because of the high cost of living. Consequently, many adults sacrifice family time in order to earn money and maintain financial stability.

Regarding the personal and social effects, employees who prioritize work over social interaction often suffer from poor communication skills and loneliness. Neglecting family gatherings, forgetting to call parents, and missing family dinners might weaken family cohesion and emotional bonds. If such behavior becomes widespread, it might considerably weaken communities. Workaholic individuals may participate less frequently in celebrations, traditional events, and community gatherings, inadvertently becoming socially isolated. Such a phenomenon may even place a severe psychological burden on individuals. When faced with problems, most people seek advice and emotional support from others. As a result, they may fall into depression because they have distanced themselves from community-based activities and social support systems.

In conclusion, while the desire to earn more money and achieve a better lifestyle is the primary cause of this trend, I believe it poses serious risks to family relationships, mental well-being, and social cohesion.