The spelling of the phrase "working life" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "work-" is pronounced /wɜrk/, with the stressed vowel sound being the "er" sound. The second syllable "-ing" is pronounced /ɪŋ/, with the "i" sound being short and the "ng" sound being pronounced as one sound. The final syllable "-life" is pronounced /laɪf/, with the stressed vowel sound being the "ai" diphthong. Together, "working life" is pronounced /wɜrkɪŋ laɪf/.
Working life refers to the period in a person's existence during which they engage in various forms of labor or employment pursuits. It encompasses the time spent in a professional or occupational setting, actively participating in activities to earn a living and contribute to society.
The duration of working life typically begins after an individual completes their education or vocational training, and continues until retirement or the cessation of professional obligations. It encompasses the entirety of someone's career or work-related activities and experiences, including the positions they hold, the industries they work in, and the skills they acquire and utilize.
During working life, individuals generally experience various stages or phases, such as entry-level positions, promotions, career changes, and potentially reaching leadership or higher-level roles. It involves the application of knowledge, skills, and expertise in specific fields, industries, or occupations, aiming to contribute to the production, distribution, or provision of goods and services. Working life often involves interactions and collaborations with colleagues, managers, and customers or clients, requiring effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
The nature and conditions of working life can vary significantly depending on factors such as industry, organization size, job demands, and societal context. It may encompass full-time or part-time employment, self-employment, remote work arrangements, or intermittent contract work. While it can be personally fulfilling and financially rewarding for many, working life may also present challenges, including stress, work-life balance issues, and the potential need to navigate workplace dynamics and career progression.
The etymology of the word "working life" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Working": The word "working" is derived from the Old English word "weorcian" meaning "to perform labor" or "to do work". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "werkanan" which has the same meaning.
2. "Life": The word "life" comes from the Old English word "līf" which means "existence", "living being", or "animate existence". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "libam" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "leip" which means "to remain", "to be left".
Therefore, the phrase "working life" refers to the period of time or duration during which an individual engages in labor or work activities.