In contrast to the past, there has been a significant surge in the number of people spending less time with their family. Several factors may be responsible for this issue, which carries unfavorable consequences for both individuals and their family.
The primary cause contributing to individuals dedicating more time to activities outside of the family is their working schedules. Specifically, due to the fast pace of modern life and the need for a larger workforce, people are occupied with their occupations to meet stringent requirements. Moreover, should they want to pursue superior career ladders and avoid being made redundant, they have to work overtime or take on multiple jobs to enhance personal development, which can widen the gap between them and their families. For example, in Vietnam, interpreters almost spend at least 10-15 hours per day working to meet their basic needs and keep up with societal changes, hardly making their time for family. Another reason is the changes in lifestyle. In the bygone era, individuals were willing to live under the same roof, which allowed them to support and interact with others. However, this lifestyle has been abandoned and replaced by a modern one. In particular, people, including the youth will make individualism a priority, bringing about some benefits such as freedom and independence. For instance, some studies have shown that approximately 60% of young people in Vietnam prefer to live without the presence of family members rather than rely on their relatives, similar to other particular countries namely Thailand and Singapore.
In truth, the increase in time spent living independently can have several impacts on both individuals and their families. On an individual level, this trend can lead to severe mental health issues. To be more specific, the solitary lifestyle provides fewer opportunities to confide in their parents if they may struggle with difficult problems. Consequently, without parental support and encouragement, these people may be more likely to suffer from issues such as isolation or even depression. From a societal standpoint, family bonds may face the risk of weakening. Without engaging in conversations with other members can contribute to a loss of empathy and unprecedented misunderstandings, resulting in further conflicts and exacerbating familial relationships.
In conclusion, living away from family is primarily driven by working schedules and the changes in lifestyle. This phenomenon can lead to negative outcomes, including diminished mental health and weakened family bonds. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial for individuals to adopt flexible working arrangements and manage their time effectively, ensuring a better balance between work and personal life. By implementing these measures, people can foster mental well-being and strengthen family relationship.