New Jersey is losing its free time, and I’d like to know who’s taking it!

New Jersey has always been known for its hustle, hard work and ability to squeeze 27 hours of living into a 24-hour day. We work hard, play hard and somehow manage our free time like a cruise director.

But apparently, even New Jersey is running out of time.

There are only 24 hours in a day, and according to a new study by Solitaired, based on an analysis of the American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are getting less and less free time.

Only nine states saw a slight increase in free time in recent years. The rest of us, including New Jersey, saw a decrease, and it’s not just a few minutes.

According to the study, Americans have about 9% less free time than they did in 2020, roughly another half-hour a day, putting the national average at under five hours of leisure time daily!

A half-hour may not sound like much, but in New Jersey that’s enough time to get stuck in traffic, argue with somebody who just cut you off, and find a parking spot.

a rear view mirror on a car reflecting a line of cars

So, what are we New Jerseyans doing with the precious free time we have left?

According to the study, we spend it watching television, scrolling the internet, playing games on our devices, socializing and apparently working out.

WORKING OUT?!

Obviously, they didn’t ask me.

When I have free time, I like watching a ball game, getting together with friends, enjoying a great New Jersey restaurant or just sitting down long enough to remember what sitting down feels like.

I understand the lack of free time. I seem to be busier every day. And I’ve noticed that many of my friends and family are just as busy. We’re all running in different directions, juggling work, family, responsibilities and the thousand little things that seem to fill up a day.

But what I appreciate most is that, despite being busy, the people I care about still make the effort to find time for one another and that matters.

a man sitting in a chair holding a magnifying glass

The study also found something interesting: Baby Boomers have the most free time, while Millennials have the least. And apparently, the gap is pretty wide. I understand that.

When I look back at what I could cram into one day in my 30s compared with what I do now in my more seasoned years, I wonder how I ever had the energy. Of course, back then we didn’t have all the apps, social media and technology constantly screaming for our attention.

In my 30s, I was barely home anyway. I was working hard, going out, socializing and trying to experience everything I could. That go-go-go attitude still leaks into my life today. The only difference is that now, after going-go-going all day, I need a nap!

The truth is none of us knows how much free time we really have left. So, when you get some, use it wisely.

woman lying on grass front of sea at daytime

Take a breather.

Call somebody you haven’t talked to in a while.

Have dinner with your family. Grab a drink with a friend. Go somewhere you’ve never been.

Laugh. Socialize. Do something that makes you happy.

Because free time isn’t really free.

It’s one of the most valuable things we have and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.

So make the time and if you happen to find some extra time on the weekend, listen to my show on New Jersey 101.5, I’ll do what I can to help you enjoy your time with me!

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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