And What Can We Learn From It Today?
As we enjoyed the Labour Day holiday this October, it was worth remembering why New Zealand marks this day in the first place.
The story goes back to 1840 and carpenter Samuel Parnell, who became an important figure in New Zealand’s early eight-hour working day movement.
The principle was simple:
8 hours for work
8 hours for rest
8 hours for life
At a time when much longer working days were common, the idea that workers should have time for rest, family and life outside employment was significant.
More than 180 years later, it raises another interesting question:
Is working eight hours a day enough to build the life we truly want?
For many people, employment provides stability, purpose and the foundation for a good life. But when our income depends entirely on the hours we personally work, there is naturally a limit to how much we can earn.
I Know This From My Own Experience
When I first arrived in New Zealand, I worked six night shifts a week as a nurse. Later in my career, there were times when I worked long hours and double shifts to earn more.
It helped me establish myself financially, save and eventually invest. I remain very grateful for my nursing career.
But I also realised that I did not want my long-term financial future to depend entirely on how many hours I could physically work.
That led me to explore entrepreneurship, investing and the principles of systems, compounding and leverage.
Instead of only asking:
“How many more hours can I work?”
I started asking:
“What can I build today that may create more choices for my future?”
A TOOL You Can Explore for FREE
One of the tools I personally use and share with others is Atomy’s online shopping mall and membership model.
The concept is simple: we already spend money every month on products we use at home. What if we could become smarter consumers while also learning about a business model that isn’t based entirely on exchanging more hours for money?
Atomy membership is FREE.
No registration fee.
No monthly membership fee.
No compulsory autoship.
No need to buy products you don’t need.
You can simply buy the products you need and love through the online shopping mall.
Atomy’s model also provides members with the opportunity to learn about building an additional income stream over the long term through developing a consumer base and organisation.
There is no guaranteed or automatic income. Building a business still requires customers, consistent activity, relationships, leadership and time.
But what interests me is the principle behind it:
Use what you need. Share what you genuinely love. Build relationships. Develop a system. Allow consistent actions to compound over time.
That is very different from simply asking, “How many extra shifts can I work this month?”
Learn More at Our FREE Events and Webinars
If you’re curious about how smart consumerism and the Atomy business model work, you don’t have to commit to anything.
Come and learn first.
Throughout November, we are holding FREE events in Auckland and Christchurch, as well as online webinars via Zoom for people anywhere in New Zealand.
Topics include:
Smart Consumerism — understanding how everyday spending can be approached differently.
Korean Beauty and Skincare — discover Korean products and join our upcoming Korean Beauty Classes.
Additional Income — learn how the Atomy business model works and what is actually required to build it.
Systems, Compounding and Leverage — understand why some business models can grow beyond one person’s individual working hours.
Personal Growth and Community — connect with people who are also interested in learning, growing and creating more choices for their future.
Christchurch Atomy One Day Seminar
28 November 2026
2:00 PM
We will also be announcing our Auckland events, Korean Beauty Classes and November Zoom webinar schedules.
Your Next Step
The October Labour Day holiday may already be over, but its history leaves us with a question worth asking throughout the year:
Are we only working for our next paycheque, or are we also building something for our future?
You don’t have to quit your job.
You don’t have to start a business tomorrow.
And you don’t have to buy anything you don’t need.
Start by learning.
If you’re curious, join one of our FREE Auckland or Christchurch events, attend a Zoom webinar, or message us to learn how to register for a free Atomy membership and access the online shopping mall.
Working hard can help us earn a living.
Building skills, assets, relationships and systems can potentially create more choices for our future.
For me, that’s an important part of the Journey to the Dream Life—creating more choices over our time, work and future.
Learn first. Buy what you need. Share what you love. Build only if you choose to.
Atomy membership does not guarantee income. Business results vary and depend on individual activity, customers, organisation development and other factors. This article is for general education and is not an income promise or financial advice.
