“There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” —Alain de Botton
I read this quote and thought, “Yes!”
Admittedly, it’s only “Yes!” for some. For folks in jobs that don’t require a daily fight to succeed, perhaps work-life balance is realistic and doable.
My friend, Shep, has a good, important job that he does well, but rarely expands beyond the workday.
When I’ve suggested that perhaps he should be writing or doing something else after work — be more ambitious — he has pushed back and said no.
He likes his life outside of work just the way it is.
No shame in that.
But if you’re launching or growing a business, creating art, attempting to forge a career in a competitive arena, striving for greater attention and recognition, or trying to amass a fortune, then I think Alain de Botton is correct:
“There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.”
I suspect this applies to most entrepreneurs, entertainers, artists, writers, and musicians.
It might also apply to people who serve others, including professions like doctors, nurses, teachers, firefighters, and politicians—folks whose work is often carried home with them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Many other people, too.
Anyone trying to be something, make something, build something, or preserve something.
In these instances, I think Alain de Botton is right.
Give up on balance.
Learn to crave imbalance.
