Why you DO need work/life balance
Work/life balance seems to be such a hot topic for twentysomethings. I read a post a couple of days ago that argued that you should forget about work/life balance and create a lifestyle; it argued that you should love your job so much that you don't NEED the fabled "work/life balance."
That post is worth a read, but for the record, I think it's wrong. And I think especially in your twenties, the importance of striving to build a balance between work and life should never be underestimated. You may spend 40 (or 60) hours a week at work, but it shouldn't become the only priority in life -- it should be one of many. At your first job, when you're young and fresh out of college and eager to please, you'll put in long hours -- but don't let it become your number one priority.
Don't forget your friends, family, hobbies, travel, and time for yourself! Making time for all these things is an important part of your health, sanity, and happiness -- and your overall success. Work/life balance doesn't come easy -- you have to strive to create a balance in your life. Make sure you don't let it overtake the things you love in life!
What are your thoughts on work/life balance? Do you have it? Do you think it's important?
Nisha Chittal
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Reader Comments (3)
My first job out of college was a union job where we HAD to quit work at 4:30 and weren't even allowed in the building before 7:45 AM. So, I never struggled with my work taking over my life. Now that I've moved on to another (non-union) job, I apply the same thought process. Work starts at 9AM and ends at 5PM unless we have a specific after-hours project scheduled. For the first 6 years of my working life I couldn't have work take over my non-work life even if I wanted it to so now I know that it doesn't have to.
It took me a while to achieve that balance...I was working in the 90s dot com startup boom. Our work actually mixed in with personal life. I hung out with coworkers, but realized that got too close for comfort.
As soon as I separated myself to do my 'own' thing, life got alot easier to discover me. I took Improv classes, learned French and did the things that made me who I am today.
I agree--you always need a work-life balance. I've done the 70-hour week corporate thing, and now, though I work from home and love what I do, still find that it's so important to turn off the computer and chill. \
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