Work-Life Balance Is Impossible

emyth.com

2 pointsNomlab4 comments

I'm managing it all right.

I work < 40 hrs/week, and I stick to those hours. I don't bring my work home. I don't make my work part of my "self"; I'm polite to my colleagues, but not intimate. When I'm working on a tough problem I'll bring my full intellect to bear - but if the code isn't finished when it's time to go home that's fine, I'll shrug my shoulders and carry on tomorrow.

Life is good. I have enough time for friends and hobbies. I work hard and I enjoy my job, but it's not my passion.

If balance is impossible, maybe you're in the wrong job.

Sounds like you're making a strategic choice for a period of time ... but is that really what you'll be doing in 10 years?

yes, let's move the goal post.

I see no reason why not. I'm making a sustainable salary, it comfortably supports my lifestyle (which is not exactly frugal) and I can put a bit away for the future. Of course lifestyles change, but if I've got money in the bank and a transferable skillset then I'd say that puts me in pretty good shape for the unknown future.

I think people living the way the article described are far less likely to be doing it in 10 years' time. IME very few people treat their job as their passion after starting a family.

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