Another trend has been the increased casualisation and insecurity of the workforce as union bargaining power and membership has gradually fallen over the past few decades.

Research indicates that most Australians dream of improvements in their work-life balance but are finding it increasingly hard to achieve.

A new survey from the Australian Work and Life Index has confirmed what most Aussie workers already know, that the standard working week is very much a thing of the past.

Indeed, the survey demonstrates clearly that the new normal is irregular, anti-social work patterns that health experts say have an adverse effect on a person’s well-being.

The new research, based on a survey of almost 3000 workers and compiled by the University of South Australia, found that weekend work was common, and working mothers suffered most in work-life balance arrangements.

Jobs in media, mining healthcare and social work were particularly bad for work-life balance, according to the survey which also noted that high-income earners with demanding jobs had less personal time.

Alarmingly, only 40 per cent of workers reported they experienced positive mental health at work. In other words, they were unhappy, dissatisfied, frustrated and insecure.

It is a sad fact that in a modern, consumer-driven, material-wealth obsessed society like ours is in 21st century Australia, we are setting aside less and less time for ourselves and our families.

It is also deeply ironic that many of those who are lucky enough to have jobs for the most part hate them, while there is an army of unemployed people who would give their right arm to be in work.

No one it seems is happy, working or not.

Success does not always have to be about economic growth, money or wealth yet we pursue them endlessly, often with dire consequences for our personal well-being and relationships.

Which is more important?