For most Cypriots this work schedule runs from about 7:30 am to the afternoon, either early afternoon or as late as 5:00 pm, but each industry has varying hours and work times seem to be somewhat flexible. Likewise, schools have set times, with most beginning at about the same time the workday starts, but children often finish at about noon or early afternoon. A late lunch is common, perhaps followed by some down time or a nap. For children school work is often times significant so many evenings are occupied with this. School runs from about September to early June.
Although education is important to the Cypriots, as is making the money to enjoy life, the people of Cyprus live for their happiness and well-being above all else, so many aspects of other cultures are deemed less than important. Working and earning additional money always come second to what that that money is actually earned for: enjoyment of life and a relaxed way of life. They Cypriots work to get money which can be used to vacation on the islands, eat out, and visit with family and friends over wine. Everything in Cyprus is centered around family and this lifestyle.
For some people, both ethnic Greeks and Turks, religion is an important aspect of life as attending church on Sundays or mosque on Fridays is a regular part of their lives.
Identity
Cypriots are energetic and wholly committed to their identities, which tend to be either "Turkish" or "Cypriot." The Turks differ on seeing themselves as either rightfully in Cyprus or captives on the island due to Turkey's politics demanding they remain on the island. No matter why these ethnic Turks are present, they see themselves first and foremost as Turks, which is an identity tied to the ethnicity, language, religion, food, and culture, not the nationality. Cypriots are ethnic Greeks and may at times refer to themselves as Greek, but generally call themselves Cypriot, which essentially means an ethnic Greek who was born and raised in Cyprus. The term Cypriot has both a national and ethnic link; to be a Cypriot a person must be ethnic Greek and live in Cyprus.