Write to Win (Round 5): If you did not have to work, what would you do with your time?
Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks
If you had all the time in the world, what would you do with it? Photo: ShutterstockRead the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most on this form.
March: Everyone around me always says, “I wish I had more free time!” or “There is so much I could complete if I didn’t have to work!” If you ask me what I would do if I did not have to work, I would be dumbfounded. In a bustling city where work is essential for success, what could I do? The possibilities are endless. First, I would unleash my inner adventurer and dive into the whirlwind in my mind. I have always complained about not having enough time to express myself creatively. So, I would devote time to my passion for arts, writing and music! There is so much I could do – painting picturesque landscapes, spinning magical fables and, perhaps, shifting more attention to my electric guitar! I would also make time to volunteer. It would add a sprinkle of purpose to my days, and I would end them laughing over stories in cosy cafes. Imagine never having to work again in your life! What would you do?
May: I would pursue reading if I had time on my hands. As a person who loves stories like my lungs love oxygen, I would gobble up books like breakfast in my free time. To quote Kim Dokja from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, “The story changed every time I read it. The story was over, but it wasn’t over. The story wouldn’t end unless the reader gave up on the story.” I would never give up on any story, and I can take my time with each book, savouring and fully immersing myself in the plot, imagining what would happen to the characters even after the novel ends. I imagine this would be a fruitful and fulfilling way to spend my time if I did not have to work.
Write to Win (Round 4): What product would you stock up on if it was being discontinued?
June: Whether you are an adult or an adolescent, work consumes most of your day. Over time, it becomes part of our identities. If the need to work suddenly vanished, there would be a huge void to fill. If I did not have to work, I would roam the world and immerse myself in every culture without worrying about being encumbered by everyday chores. I have always been fascinated by the traditions and heritage of other countries. However, they were always trapped behind pictures in textbooks, right in front of me, yet so far out of reach. If only I could freely travel the globe, I could lose myself in landmarks of every sort, be inspired by an array of cuisines, and experience exotic festivals first-hand. Although this distant dream is not a reality, I will continue to enrich my life with different experiences every single day.
August: I would use my time to travel if I did not have to work. I would travel to distant countries and enjoy a wider variety of cultures. I would enjoy visiting many beautiful landscapes, like the crystal-clear beaches in Bali, Indonesia. Each location would have something new to witness and experience. I would also get involved with local life, eating foods new to me and attending festivals. I would also be in nature more, hiking through forests and hills and discovering hidden gems. I would remember these experiences with photographs and life lessons. Travelling with friends would also be an experience, and I would exchange tales of my adventures and learn about what they have been through. If I had no work and more time, I would use it to travel, which would inspire me, bring me joy, widen my world view, and help me create long-lasting relationships around the globe.
October: Without work, I would work on improvement. Enhancing my physical and mental health would be my first priority. I would adjust my sleeping schedule to fit in eight hours of sleep per night and make time for relaxation whenever I feel like it. I would also add in workouts, including exercises I enjoy, such as jogging, cycling and Thai boxing. Next, I would dedicate time to my interests: gardening and playing the piano. To still contribute to society, I would participate in meaningful activities such as weekly volunteering sessions at the elderly centre. Another vital aspect of life is socialisation and interconnectedness, which I would include by spending more quality time with loved ones through shared meals and hangouts. If I still had time to spare, I could pick up learning Indonesian again, which is something I had given up on due to limited time.