Downshifting

Downshifting an automobile signals a shift to a lower gear. The driver wishes to slow down. Much like the automobile, downshifting (often synonymous with “voluntary simplicity” or “simple living”) is a conscious decision to slow down one's life and adopt the values of simplicity. It is a voluntary decision to reduce income and consumption in pursuit of a less stressful, more meaningful life. Downshifting signals a return to a sense of balance lost in the frenzied pace of everyday life. Downshifting is a rejection of the “rat race” of consumerism, long work hours, and the frantic modern life. Predominantly an individual act, the decision to downshift is made for a variety of reasons:

• A lack of balance in one's life (i.e., working too much, not enough time with family)
• The unfulfilling “work-and-spend” lifestyle
• A rejection of consumer and material values
• The desire to live a greener, more environmentally and socially responsible life

Downshifting is a reevaluation of the relationship to time, work, and money. Downshifters find they have to work too much to earn the money to retain their materialistic wants. They [Page 105]find themselves worn out by the “rat race” of modern society that involves a work- and money-focused lifestyle. Downshifting is about taking control of one's life and emphasizes time rather than work or money. Many downshifters cite the high pressure and unfulfilling nature of their work as a primary reason for making the change. They report psychological and physical burnout from their stressful lives.

Even leisure time is influenced by today's frenzied pace. Although those in the United States and other Western countries have more free time than they did 30 years ago, they are busier than ever. Free time is filled with leisure activities such as travel and watching television. Downshifting highlights the paradox that a Caribbean holiday or the purchase of a new flat-screen plasma television is dependent on working enough hours to earn the income to afford these leisure items. Although travel and television can be enjoyable, downshifting emphasizes the lack of meaning that often coincides with contemporary leisure activities. Practicing religion or spirituality or participating in the community is supplanted by socializing while shopping at the mall. Downshifting recaptures time with family, friends, volunteering, or for meaningful self-fulfillment. It indicates a desire to return a sense of balance to one's life. Downshifters seek a life filled with purpose, passion, fulfillment, and happiness.

Downshifting is also a rejection of consumer and materialist values. Consumerism is predicated on the continuous acquisition of material goods, most often in an attempt to achieve happiness and competitively “keep up with the Joneses.” Social competition and comparison demands physical indicators of status. Material goods are constantly acquired to keep with ever-increasing social standards. As a result, an expanding definition of “necessity” has occurred over the past 50 years. Items such as air conditioning, cell phones, and iPods are deemed necessary for living a good and socially acceptable lifestyle. The consumer treadmill is always on and running, yet with no purpose or end in sight. Many downshifters admit to being on the consumer treadmill and ultimately report burnout. Keeping up materially is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Downshifting rejects these unhealthy values in favor of values that cultivate contentment.

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