"Work is a subset of life, not a superset" As a former workaholic, I kind of love this guidance :) Your life is a collection of various components that make it whole, and striking a balance between them is key to achieving long-term happiness and success. While we spend a significant portion of our time at work or thinking about work it's crucial to recognize it shouldn't be the only defining factor. Work is Just One Piece of the Puzzle While professional success and financial security are super important, it's vital not to let work become the superset that dominates and overshadows everything else. By only focusing on this one aspect, we risk neglecting other critical areas that contribute to a fulfilling life, such as relationships, health, and personal growth. Remember that work is a means to an end, not the end itself. It provides us with the resources and opportunities to enjoy and enhance other areas of our lives. "But what if I really love what I do?" often comes up in work/life balance discussions. It’s 100% okay to find joy in your work. That said, (1) being intentional about this being where you want to spend your time for fun and (2) acknowledging not everyone may be in the same position are important factors. Creating a Well-Rounded Life Here are some practical steps you can take to build a balanced life: - Prioritize Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Set aside dedicated time to connect and nurture these bonds, as they provide a vital support system and emotional balance. - Invest in Your Health: Make a conscious effort to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, practice stress-reduction techniques, and seek professional help when necessary. - Pursue Personal Interests: Carve out time for hobbies and interests outside of work. Engaging in activities you're passionate about can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of fulfilment. - Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid working excessively long hours or bringing work home. By setting limits, you can protect your time and energy for other essential aspects of life. - Embrace Lifelong Learning: Keep learning and growing, both personally and professionally. Pursue new experiences, acquire new skills, and challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself. - Reflect and Reevaluate: Regularly take time to reflect on your life and assess whether you're maintaining a healthy balance. Adjust your priorities and commitments accordingly to ensure you're living in alignment with your values and aspirations. If it's right for you, don't let work dominate the entire picture; instead, aim to create a well-rounded and balanced life that encompasses all the different aspects that bring meaning and fulfilment to your existence. Illustration: GoLimitlesss #productivity #softwareengineering #work
Addy Osmani You are right Addy, But the point is everything is relative. For example, Strongly it's depended on where you come from. Recently I've been migrating From Iran to Germany and my journey will not end here because I like to be in the USA, Just imagine how much time I have to spend on this journey, So from a personal standpoint, Your advice maybe work for those who live in a country with a powerful economy and a good society. Maslow's hierarchy is a good example of how you can categorize countries and people. Do you still think this balance can be maintained?
Well said. My take, All professional success stories I have come across "mostly" fall in the category "Not this". This applies not necessarily only to corporate work but any profession. Anybody who excels in a field has sacrificed on the other experiences in life. Well, again its a choice one makes consciously or otherwise. It also depends on your priorities in life and at that point in time. Excellence is not 9-5 job unless of course you are god sent and gifted!
The grind of working around the clock, across timezones, and sacrificing your own health and personal life, all for the sake of work, can be exhausting. As a professional, I learned this the hard way after encountering unexpected medical situations and being reprimanded by my manager for taking unplanned leave. That's when it dawned on me that it's crucial to set clear boundaries between work and life, even if it means highlighting the work and meetings taken outside of business hours. It's time we prioritize our well-being and remember that we are more than just our jobs.
what if work, has become a hobby?
I respectfully disagree ! easier said than done, when you have a 9-6 job , spend 2 hours commuting and ±1 hour to prep meals... It becomes hard to even find time for yourself, but looking on the bright side , it's different when you love what you do and enjoy your work. At some point in life especially for those who are at the beginning or early stages of their career, work needs to be a superset before becoming a subset, and of course everything is relative. “You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once.” – Oprah Winfrey
I prefer to just think of it as "life" and work is no more or a less a part of it than eating, socializing, or entertaining. If you do it right, work is just another way you enjoy life. If it's not enjoyable, even if it is difficult or demanding, do something else. This is why I don't use the phrase "work life balance", because I don't want to bring my work and life into balance, I want my work to be a valuable part of my life.
1/3 of your life will be spent working. 1/3 of your life will be spent sleeping. 1/3 of your life will be spent doing chores, driving, eating, interviewing, appointments, hygiene, hobbies, studying, etc. 0/3 of your life will be spent "living." It's time to figure out how to earn income while you sleep ladies and gents. 💯
Tech Lead at MundoInvest
1yWould you have been able to get where you are now, career-wise, leading a well-rounded life?