That question doesn’t have one universal answer—it depends on priorities and circumstances.

If you live to work, your career is the center of your identity. People in this mindset often find purpose, achievement, or passion through their work. This can be fulfilling, especially if you love what you do, but it can also lead to burnout or neglecting other parts of life.

If you work to live, work is mainly a tool to support your life outside of it—family, hobbies, health, and experiences. This approach tends to protect balance and well-being, though sometimes it may limit career ambition or financial growth.

Most people fall somewhere in between. The healthier approach is usually about balance: having meaningful work, but not letting it consume your entire life.

So, a better way to frame it might be:
Work enough to live well—but live enough that your work has a purpose.