Work/Life Balance – STOP: Embracing Work as a Vital Part of Life

The concept of “work/life balance” is a misnomer that needs to be retired – TODAY. We must stop segregating work from life as if they are opposing forces in a perpetual tug-of-war. Work is part of life. Instead of striving for an elusive balance, we should focus on integrating work into the broader scope of our lives. This is not just about semantics; it’s about redefining how we view our roles, responsibilities, relationships, and generally the design of our lives.

Work is an integral component of our lives, like family, hobbies, and leisure. By referring to work separately from life, we inadvertently make it the “bad guy” in our daily narrative. Work is often seen as a necessary evil, a drudgery we must endure to afford the things we enjoy. This mindset is counterproductive and overlooks the value that work can bring to our lives.

The term “balance” implies a static state, a perfect equilibrium that is neither achievable nor desirable. Life is dynamic and ever-changing, and our focus should be on achieving homeostasis—a stable equilibrium where different elements coexist harmoniously. Sometimes, work demands more attention; other times, family or personal pursuits take precedence. This ebb and flow is natural and should be accepted and even embraced.

In our quest for balance and our tendency to see the world in a false dichotomy of “my work” or “my life,” we often overlook our responsibility in the choices we make and the importance of communication with the stakeholders in our lives—our families, colleagues, and ourselves. When work demands increase, it’s crucial to have honest conversations about priorities and expectations. This approach fosters a symbiotic relationship where all parties understand and support each other’s needs.  We also gain agency where it is not an outside force driving us against our will, but we not only get a vote in what is important to us but ultimately have the final say in how we live.

Work is not just a means to an end; it provides us with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Work can significantly contribute to our overall well-being by providing structure, purpose, and a sense of achievement. Through work, we often find fulfillment, develop skills, and contribute to something larger than ourselves. By embracing work as a positive and necessary part of life, we can shift our perspective and find greater satisfaction in our daily activities.

Research indicates that having a job provides numerous psychological and health benefits. For instance, engaging in meaningful work can lead to increased happiness, improved mental health, and greater life satisfaction. Positive emotions experienced at work, such as hope, joy, and gratitude, can enhance resilience, reduce stress, and boost creativity and problem-solving abilities[1]​.

Furthermore, a sense of accomplishment and achievement at work can increase self-esteem and confidence, inspire motivation, and enhance overall job satisfaction. This sense of purpose and achievement can also foster a sense of meaning, which is integral to both productivity and job satisfaction​[2].

If you view work as a necessary evil, it might be time to reassess your career choices. Success is not just about financial gain or climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about finding value in what you do. When work aligns with your values, it will not be a burden; it becomes vital to a holistic and fulfilling life.

We must stop viewing work and life as opposing forces and start seeing them as complementary parts of a whole. By integrating work into our lives and striving for homeostasis, we can create a more harmonious existence where all aspects of life are valued and prioritized as needed. This shift in perspective is not just provocative; it’s essential for our well-being and fulfillment.

Embrace work as a supporting effort to the life you want. Engage in meaningful conversations with your stakeholders about priorities and requirements. Recognize the value that work brings to your life. Doing so can create a more integrated and fulfilling life, where work is not the enemy but a vital part of your journey.

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[1] What Psychological Benefits Do You Get From Work? | Psychology Today​ (Psychology Today)​.

[2] Why Work Is More Than Just a Job | Psychology Today​ (Psychology Today)​.

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This first appeared in The Havok Journal on July 5, 2024.

JC Glick is the chief executive officer of The COMMIT Foundation. He is a former Army officer and leadership consultant who served 20 years in the Army, including more than seven years in the Ranger Regiment, over seven and a half years in command, and 11 operational and combat deployments to Haiti, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Afghanistan. For The Havok Journal, he writes mainly about leadership, veteran transition, resilience, and life after service. He is the author of two books, an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, and holds a degree in political science from the University of Rhode Island.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.