Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money - IELTS Writing Task 2

Modern lifestyles are increasingly shaped by demanding work schedules, rising living costs, and evolving definitions of success. As societies place greater emphasis on productivity and financial achievement, the balance between income and personal time has become a recurring concern. This theme frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 through topics like ‘Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money’ because it tests a candidate’s ability to weigh material success against personal well-being.

In this blog post, we will explore model essays that aim for a Band 7+ score on the topic, ‘Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money’. We will also discuss topic-specific IELTS work vocabulary to help you create a high-scoring response for Task 2.

Essay Question for ‘Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money’

Outline for IELTS Discussion Essay

Below is an outline to help you understand how to write an IELTS discussion essay with opinion, such as 'Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money.'

Sample Answers for Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money’. By using them, you can write your own essay and achieve a high writing band score.

Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money - Sample Answer 1

Many people believe that earning a high income at the expense of free time leads to a superior quality of life, whereas others argue that having more leisure time despite a lower salary is more desirable. This essay will examine both viewpoints before explaining why I believe free time is ultimately more valuable than wealth.

On the one hand, a high income offers undeniable advantages. Financial prosperity enables individuals to afford superior healthcare, secure housing, and high-quality education for their children. For example, well-paid professionals can invest in private medical care and long-term savings plans, ensuring stability during emergencies or retirement. Furthermore, financial independence allows people to enjoy modern comforts and experiences, such as international travel or advanced technology, which can enhance life satisfaction. In this sense, money serves as a powerful tool for reducing financial anxiety and improving material well-being.

On the other hand, having ample free time contributes significantly to overall happiness and long-term health. Individuals who work fewer hours are more likely to engage in physical exercise, pursue personal interests, and nurture meaningful relationships. For instance, parents with flexible schedules can spend quality time with their children, strengthening emotional bonds that money cannot replace. Conversely, excessive workloads often lead to burnout, deteriorating mental health, and strained social connections. Over time, these consequences can undermine the very benefits that a high salary is meant to provide.

To conclude, I believe that earning less money while enjoying more free time is a wiser choice in the long run. Although financial security is important, time is a finite and irreplaceable resource. A balanced lifestyle that prioritizes well-being, personal growth, and emotional fulfilment ultimately leads to a more satisfying and sustainable quality of life than financial success alone.

Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money - Sample Answer 2

Some people argue that earning a higher income despite having limited free time is more beneficial, whereas others place greater value on leisure than financial gain. Although both perspectives are valid, this essay argues that prioritising income can be advantageous, particularly during the early stages of one’s career.

Supporters of higher earnings maintain that financial prosperity creates long-term opportunities and stability. A well-remunerated position enables individuals to accumulate savings, make strategic investments, and enjoy a higher standard of living. For instance, professionals in demanding sectors such as finance or technology often work extended hours initially, but their substantial income allows them to purchase property, build retirement funds, and support their families. In highly competitive economies, financial success is also closely associated with career advancement, professional recognition, and social prestige, all of which contribute to a strong sense of achievement.

Nevertheless, critics argue that sacrificing free time can have detrimental effects on health and personal relationships. Excessive workloads may result in chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and even burnout. For example, employees who consistently work overtime may struggle to maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and dissatisfaction. Furthermore, neglecting work-life balance can reduce productivity in the long run, as physical and mental fatigue impair performance.

To sum up, I believe that earning more money while having less free time can be a sensible choice, especially in the early phases of a career. Financial independence gained during this period provides a secure foundation for the future. Moreover, free time can often be reclaimed later through flexible roles, reduced hours, or early retirement, whereas missed financial opportunities are far more difficult to recover. Therefore, a temporary sacrifice of leisure can be a strategic investment in long-term security and success.

Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money - Sample Answer 3

In today’s fast-paced world, everyone has different perspectives towards money and time. Some people believe that having a good bank balance and fewer leisure hours is better for leading life. At the same time, others adhere to radically opposite views. Both these views have positive and negative aspects, and I believe that an individual should not compromise with the quality of life for money.

It is believed that money in cash or property has a significant impact on one’s life. This is because it lets an individual buy anything and everything followed by fulfilling all the basic financial obligations and giving one the privilege of living a luxurious life. As a result, it is possible to lead a stress-free life with a great bank balance. Without money, an individual will not be able to live either a luxurious or comfortable life. Therefore, individuals work day and night to produce more money, and compromise with leisure hours.

On the contrary, some people opine that spending long hours at work and not prioritizing time to enjoy life is not the correct outlook towards life. They consider time to be the most precious resource and value it more than money as it will more likely provide them with a stress-free and productive life. They believe that one can use the time to make money but can’t use the same money to purchase more time, which is indeed true. Furthermore, it is possible to lose all the money and get it back again, but it is impossible to retrieve the lost time and spend it with loved ones. As a result, they advocate the school of thought that earning less and prioritizing more time can be the best way to live a healthier life.

To conclude, although it’s difficult, people should strive to strike a balance by prioritizing their time and money equally because wealth alone cannot buy happiness and healthy relations. According to me, people who earn sufficient money and socialize with people live a happier life than those who earn higher incomes.

Vocabulary to Use for Having more Money and less Free Time is Better than Earning less Money - IELTS Writing Task 2

Here is a list of IELTS academic high-frequency vocabulary words related to the topic, ‘Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money’, that will help you boost your overall vocabulary.

To conclude, success with an IELTS discussion essay like ‘Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money’ depends on logical structure, balanced arguments, and a well-justified opinion. Moreover, topics related to money and time allow you to demonstrate critical thinking, coherence, and advanced vocabulary, essential skills for achieving Band 7 and above in IELTS Writing Task 2. So, get ready to craft Band 7+ answers for your IELTS essay topics with this blog, serving as a guide to concise writing for the IELTS exam.

Useful Links:

• Some People Think that Work is the Most Important Thing in People’s Life - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People have more than One Job at the Same Time- IELTS Writing Task 2
• How Realistic is the Expectation of Job Satisfaction for all Workers - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Big Salary is More Important than Job Satisfaction - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Salary is The Most Important Consideration - IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay
• Employment/Work (Part 1): Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS (Band 7+)
• Common IELTS Essay Topics for Writing Task 2