Lack of time

Shortage of time

Nature

The "lack of time" refers to the perception or reality of insufficient time to accomplish tasks, fulfill responsibilities, or engage in leisure activities. This phenomenon often leads to stress, decreased productivity, and a diminished quality of life. Individuals may struggle to balance work, family, and personal interests, resulting in feelings of overwhelm and burnout. The lack of time can stem from various factors, including societal pressures, poor time management, and the fast-paced nature of modern life. Addressing this issue often requires prioritization, delegation, and the implementation of effective time management strategies to enhance overall well-being.

Incidence

A 2022 Gallup poll found that 61% of Americans reported not having enough time to do what they want, with working parents and full-time employees most affected. The OECD’s 2021 “How’s Life?” report similarly noted that, across member countries, over 30% of adults felt “always” or “often” rushed for time, with higher rates in urbanized and economically developed regions.
In Tokyo, Japan, a 2019 survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed that 70% of respondents cited lack of time as a primary barrier to participating in community activities, highlighting the problem’s impact on social engagement.

Claim

In the industrialized societies, committed to saving time by every possible means, people are increasingly confronted with the lack of time. The time available is increasingly segmented and committed by prior engagements and projects. Tangential or discretionary time, previously an amenity of life, especially in traditional cultures, has become an expensive luxury. Despite a preoccupation with efficiency, people have less time for themselves or for each other.

So much of the freedom of modern society is illusory. In an era of mobile phones and laptop computers, flexible hours and employment, loose family structures, all serve only to tie us in more tightly to the capricious and insatiable demands of the market, expressed above all in rising demands on our time.