I want to explain a bit, why the game is about work-life balance.
In order to win the game, you have to manage your two resources: Time and money.
In order to earn money, you need to work. But how much time to spend on work ?Just enough to survive ? Or so much that you can improve your production level and produce more per time later ?
In reality, most people don’t have production facilities to improve. But many spend time and money on getting an education in order to get a better paying and probably also more interesting job.We assumed for the game, that getting happy directly from working is for most people first a reality, when they have build their own business or finished the education in their profession of choice. Many people, however, have a job primarily to earn money. Therefore, you become happier from working first from production level 3.
Do you learn in the game how to balance work and life better ?
Well, I don’t think, that a board game can really teach that. But you do learn, that you can
a) work too much
b) spend too little time and money on “work” (career/education).
Both extremes will not make you a winner. At some point, more money and even higher production levels do not help you in getting happier faster.
On the other hand, ignoring your production levels (career) and spending all your time and money on fun activities will force you to work more for less later in the game or leave you in a situation, where you can’t pay back your loans, loose your business or can’t afford the treatment when you get sick.