The Wire

Are you working more hours than you would like? Have you ever wanted to down tools and have a complete change of lifestyle to spend more time with kids and family? With life conducted to the beat of a hectic schedule that seems to demand the consumption of ever more material possessions, such an ideal may be like an illusive dream. But one group claims it has the answer. Downshifting Downunder, is a new organization that aims to get Australians off the overwork and debt treadmill and shift towards more balanced and meaningful lives Downshifting, refers to when an individual consciously takes a less stressful or lower paid job, and decides to work less hours, in order to have more leisure time. With that comes an inevitable need to cut back on consumption and live more simply. To give other aspiring downshifters a hand, Downshifting Downunder is holding a conference on the issue in Sydney next week. Ahead of that meeting Erica Vowles spoke with conference organizer David Wyatt. He told Erica how the idea began.

Downshifting Downunder
The Australia Institute