Work Life Balance

You tell yourself you'll slow down once things calm down at work. But things never calm down. There's always the next deadline, the next project, the next fire. Meanwhile, your health suffers, your relationships suffer, and you can't remember the last time you were truly present for anything outside of work.

Work-life balance isn't just a nice idea. According to the World Health Organization, working 55+ hours per week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease.

Signs Your Balance Is Off

• You check email first thing in the morning and last thing at night
• You can't remember your last vacation that didn't involve working
• Your family complains they never see you—or they've stopped complaining
• Your health has declined and you're ignoring it
• You feel guilty when you're not productive
• You've missed important events for "work things"
• You use busyness as an excuse to avoid other parts of life
• You can't relax even when you have time off

Why We Overwork

For many people—especially men—work provides identity, purpose, and a sense of worth. According to research from Harvard Business Review, workaholism isn't just about demanding jobs. It often serves psychological functions:

• Avoiding difficult emotions or situations at home
• Proving worth through achievement
• Escaping anxiety that surfaces when idle
• Seeking validation through productivity
• Filling a void where meaning should be

No one on their deathbed wishes they'd spent more time at the office. But somehow that knowledge doesn't change our behavior. The problem isn't knowing better—it's doing better.

Moving Toward Balance

Define What Matters

If you're not clear on your priorities, work wins by default. What do you want your life to be about beyond your job title?

Set Boundaries

Boundaries don't happen naturally. They require deliberate protection. What time will you stop working? What will you protect?

Address What You're Avoiding

If work is easier than home, figure out why. The avoidance has a cost.

Recognize the Diminishing Returns

Research shows productivity drops sharply after 50 hours per week. You're not actually getting more done—you're just burning out.