How has debt reduction affected your work ethic?

[kc_justin]

Just curious, because I've kind of surprised myself...
I always just assumed that as I reduced my debt and felt less of a "need" to work, I would naturally become lazier on the job.
Turns out that, as I've been chipping away on my debt (and more importantly, avoiding taking on additional debt), that I've become more focused and am enjoying my work much more.  Which, in turn, has gotten me more attention from the boss and more opportunity for additional income.

Has anyone else experienced this??? 
If so, what do attribute it to?  The only thing I can figure is that by reducing debt, I'm also reducing the feeling of "obligation," which has made me happier, which....etc. etc.

[mrsggrowsveg]

I have also found myself working harder.  I would attribute it to wanting a raise (faster payoff) and knowing that I won't be doing this forever.

[MsSindy]

I attribute it to the fact that you have more self-confidence than you did before, because you know your life is on track and things are looking good.  So, you come into the workplace with a 'can-do' attitude and are generally a positive person.  You probably don't sit around whining about things.  Don't underestimate the importance of a good attitude.  Depending on the job, it can be just as important as actual skill in some professions - no one wants to work with a whiner.

[marblejane]

For me, debt is a source of anxiety and worry. When the debt is no longer there, it's no longer a distraction from the other things in your life. So, it makes sense to me that you can be more focused!

[YK-Phil]

I am practically debt free since I got a nice severance for being fired without cause as a senior executive, back in 2007 which allowed me to pay off mortgages and other debts. Being fired was tough at first, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I took about a year and a half off, backpacked throughout Asia, then came back to Canada and found a job as a flight attendant for about 5 years (what a blast it was!!!!), until last October, when I got a very attractive and exciting job offer to go back in my professional field in the Arctic. I accepted. Not sure why. After being a flight attendant, I must admit that I have no interest whatsoever in my new job, my mind wanders all over the place when I am forced to attend meetings, and I just want out. I'll do my job properly and will probably stay for about a year because I took this job at the insistence of a good friend and loyal former colleague, but staying longer than a year would just kill me. I still have some work ethics, but at this point in my life, it doesn't mean much in the workplace.

[Tyler]

Eliminating and avoiding debt (in addition to marrying my DW who also is a talented engineer) has greatly reduced my fear of taking career risks relative to most of my peers.  While others will stick out jobs that they complain about regularly, I've job hopped to do things that interest me.  And when I'm interested and engaged, I enjoy working hard. 

Granted, I've learned the hard way that moderating that impulse is also important.  And my appreciation for personal time and work boundaries have grown over time.  So some young coworkers may look at me and think I'm not as "dedicated" as they are.  But they just haven't learned yet that I'm dedicated first and foremost to things more important than my employer (family, health, happiness, etc.).

[COMO]

If anything paying off debt has made me work harder.  I think I liking watching the growth even more than watching the debt decrease.  My ethic at work hasn't changed but overall work ethic in my life as increased.  Now it is towards things I want to do rather than just chasing a buck.  Nice thing is seems to also pay better at this point.  There is going to be a lot of changes this year for my family and I because of the new freedom.