When I travel, one of the most common questions I receive is: How do you balance work and life? This makes me wonder—why was this not a concern in the past? Has the new generation
become spoiled? Do they not understand the true meaning of success, or is there something
beyond success itself? To me, hard work is the path to professional success. So why
are young people today so preoccupied with this seemingly mundane question?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “work–life balance” refers to the amount of
time you spend doing your job compared to the time you spend with family and engaging
in activities you enjoy. However, achieving balance is not about splitting time evenly
between work and leisure; rather, it is about feeling fulfilled and content in both
areas. A healthy work–life balance might mean meeting deadlines at work while still
making time for friends and hobbies, as well as maintaining proper sleep and a healthy
diet.
When I was in training, work felt more like survival than just a job. We rarely had
choices—our only option was to strive to be better than the previous generation as
a collective. In a way, work was not just a part of life; it was life. But times have changed. Life is no longer about mere survival; it is now about
personal growth and fulfillment. As societies develop and move beyond poverty and
collectivism, the meaning of success has shifted from a shared struggle to an individual
pursuit. The focus has transitioned from working out of necessity to working as a
means of self-actualization.
However, if your goal is not just to meet deadlines but to become an extraordinary
professional, then simply fulfilling basic work expectations is not enough. One must
adopt the mindset of past generations—one of sheer hard work and perseverance. In
this case, you consciously choose to prioritize work over leisure. But life is not
just about leisure; it is a broader concept encompassing the vision and purpose that
define one's existence. In a way, the term “work–life balance” can be misleading—a
more accurate phrase might be “work–leisure balance.”
The concept of work–life balance varies across countries and cultures. Even within
the same country, perspectives differ based on factors such as age, profession, and
personal priorities. In fact, even within the same workplace, work–life balance is
subjective. Some people choose to invest more time in their careers to achieve professional
growth, while others prioritize different aspects of life that require less work-related
intensity.
But everything in life comes with tradeoffs. The vision you have for yourself in 10
or 20 years depends on the discipline and perseverance you commit to today. The key
is to define your own balance rather than comparing yourself to others. Ultimately,
work–life balance is about achieving happiness. Happiness is a personal journey, and
whether it is found through professional accomplishments or personal fulfillment outside
of work, it requires dedication and effort.
Confucius once said, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in
your life.” So, be conscious and courageous in walking the path that works for you,
and do not let others dictate your journey. When you look back 10 or 20 years from
now and reflect on your work–life balance, make sure it was a path you deliberately
chose—one that aligns with your values, aspirations, and definition of success.
