Work and Life Harmony, not Balance
I’ve been reflecting on the phrase "work and life balance" and why it doesn’t sit well with me. What does balance even mean? When I think of balance, I imagine one thing opposing another, like holding two objects in my hands, trying to keep them equal. But this concept feels impossible when applied to work and life because work is not separate from life—it’s part of it. Work is integrated into life, not something to be balanced against it.
Growing up, my mom worked from home as an entrepreneur. She built her business while managing the household and raising us. One moment, she’d be cooking a meal, and the next, she’d be in her office working. There was no clear separation between work and life; instead, there was a natural harmony. She didn’t strive for balance; she created a rhythm where work and life coexisted seamlessly. This is what I believe in—harmony, not balance.
When I feel the need to balance work and life, it’s often a sign that something is out of sync. It’s not about balancing two opposing forces but about finding harmony in how I spend my time. When I’m engaged in work that aligns with my passions and values, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like a natural part of my life. If I’m forcing myself to do something, I know it’s not right for me. The key is to listen to myself and make decisions that reflect what I truly want.
If I ever feel a lack of balance between work and life, I’ve come to realize that the issue lies in my standards and decisions. Am I doing something because I want to, or because I feel I have to? If I’m doing something I don’t want to do, it’s a sign that I’m not listening to myself. There’s always a price to pay, whether it’s the discomfort of saying no or the dissatisfaction of doing something I don’t enjoy. The question is, which price am I willing to pay? That’s a decision only I can make.
Feeling out of balance often means I’m making the wrong decisions—not in an objectively wrong way, but in a way that doesn’t align with my true desires. If I’m seeking work-life balance, it’s usually because I’m doing work I don’t want to do. This is a clear signal that I’m not listening to myself. The solution isn’t to strive for balance but to reassess my choices and align them with what I truly want.
In the end, it’s about harmony. Work and life aren’t separate entities to be balanced; they’re intertwined. When I’m in harmony with my work, it becomes a natural part of my life, not something I need to balance against it. The key is to listen to myself, make decisions that reflect my true desires, and create a life where work and life coexist in harmony.