life of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "life of work" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used to refer to the experience or existence related to one's work or career, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The life of work can often feel overwhelming, but it also brings a sense of purpose and achievement."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I feel fairly certain that my life of work as a nurse stands up to Cooperman's.

The New Yorker

Soviet slogans exhorted children to study, to exercise, to prepare for a life of work.

The New York Times

Many are just beginning a life of work, liberated from dependence on welfare.

The New York Times

What is a typical career path in your life of work within this organization?

Cornell University

He thought that it was too little to be left with after a life of work and worry.

The New Yorker

Shouldn't universities be preparing students for a life of work, which, for the most part, takes place during the day?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Learn to balance your work life and your life outside-of-work life.

WikiHow

The song describes life in a mega-city, where many immigrants see little beyond a life of work-home, home-work, which leads the singer to conclude: "What do I know?

Independent

"That's my way of life, of working," Bini said.

The New York Times - Sports

People are desperate for anything that seems like an escape from a life of working behind a cash register.

The New Yorker

"The fact is America faces a clear and present danger to the economic life of working families," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "life of work", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean the entire period of one's working years or the quality and characteristics of that time.

Common error

Don't use "life of work" when a more direct term like "career" or "work life" would be clearer and more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life of work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the entirety of someone's professional existence and activities. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this phrase is not particularly common in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "life of work" describes one's professional existence, but Ludwig suggests it's not the most common or precise choice. It appears frequently in news and academic contexts. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider alternatives like "working life" or "career". While grammatically acceptable, "life of work" requires careful contextual consideration to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig provides varied examples showing its use in reflections on careers, challenges, and the overall impact of work. Its register is generally neutral, but the other options are preferred in formal situations because they are more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working life

This alternative is more concise and directly refers to the time spent at work.

professional life

This emphasizes the career aspect and formal nature of work.

working career

This is a more explicit way of saying career involving work activities.

career path

This focuses on the progression and trajectory of one's work.

professional career

This emphasizes the formal and skilled nature of a career.

work-life balance

This highlights the equilibrium between work and personal time.

job satisfaction

This refers to the contentment derived from one's work.

daily grind

This describes the routine and often tedious aspects of work.

vocational journey

This emphasizes the personal development and learning throughout one's career.

occupational existence

This is a more formal and existential way of referring to one's work life.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "life of work" to sound more natural?

Consider using more common alternatives such as "working life", "professional life", or simply "career" depending on the context.

What does "life of work" mean?

The phrase generally refers to the period and experiences encompassing one's career, but it's less common than other similar phrases, and the meaning can depend heavily on context. It is generally used to describe the impact that your job has on your existence.

Is "life of work" a formal or informal expression?

While not strictly informal, "life of work" tends to appear in more reflective or narrative contexts. For formal writing, "professional career" or "work life" may be more appropriate.

What are some typical challenges in one's "life of work"?

Challenges can include maintaining "work-life balance", dealing with workplace stress, and navigating "career path" progression.