Let’s chat—is work-life balance even real? There’s times when it feels like I’m knee deep in work and forget to eat my lunch, or I’m in full-on “let’s book another trip” mode.
If you’re in your early 20s, trying to build a career but also, you know, have a life, you probably get it. We’re all stuck in this weird middle ground where we want to “grind” (because we do want success, financial security, and all that good stuff) but also…we’re young. And fun. And not trying to burn out before we hit 35.
So, how do we actually get ahead in our careers without feeling like our entire personality is just “work”? Let’s talk about it.
Redefine “Work-Life Balance”
You know what doesn’t work? Thinking of work-life balance as some perfect, peaceful split where everything just magically fits into place. That’s wishful thinking (I’m still guilty).
Some weeks, you’re in full grind mode—staying late, pushing through deadlines, drinking way too much coffee. Other weeks, you’re jetting off on last-minute trips with friends, and your biggest problem is whether to order another martini.
Balance isn’t about every day looking the same. It’s about making sure the overall picture doesn’t suck.
If you’re spending months feeling like a corporate zombie with no social life? You’ve got a big problem.If you’re constantly ignoring career growth because “you’re just letting yourself vibe”? Also a problem.
Instead of obsessing over a 50/50 split, ask yourself this: "Am I happy with how I’m spending my time?" If the answer is “yes” most of the time, congrats. You’re doing a-okay.
Stop Glorifying the Hustle (But Also…Don’t Be Lazy)
I don’t care what the LinkedIn bros tell you—“rise and grind” culture SUCKS. No one actually wants to be the person who works 80-hour weeks and brags about never sleeping. You know why? Because that person is usually miserable and overcompensating. I for one - love to sleep.
That being said… Laziness isn’t profound either. The reality is, we’re young and this is when we build the foundation for the life we want. So yeah, you might need to work late sometimes. You might need to say no to brunch because you’re saving money or finishing a side project. That’s not “hustle culture,” that’s just doing what needs to be done.
The key is knowing when to push and when to pause. If your body is screaming for a break, take one. If you’ve been coasting and avoiding hard things, maybe it’s time to get your big kid pants on and push yourself. Balance isn’t about never working hard—it’s about knowing when to go all in and when to chill.
Have Hobbies That Have Nothing to Do With Your Career
This is crucial. When did we all decide that every hobby has to be monetized?? Like, can I just go to a hot yoga class without turning it into a fitness influencer side hustle? Or bake cookies without launching a bakery??
One of the best ways to make sure work doesn’t become your whole personality is to have things in your life that are just for you. No productivity goals. No networking. Just fun.
Read books that have nothing to do with “success” (fiction exists, I promise).
Go on random adventures—I just spent one night in Boston last week because I knew – it would make me happy.
Learn something new just because (no, Duolingo streaks don’t count.)
Having interests outside of work makes you way more interesting as a person and actually helps you perform better when you do work. Because guess what? Your brain needs a break.
Make Your Career Work for You
Not to be dramatic, but if you hate your job, you need to fix that ASAP.
I know, I know. Not everyone can just quit and move to Spain (though if you can, please send flight details). But we spend so much of our lives working, and if every Sunday night feels like impending doom mixed with the scaries, that’s a sign something needs to change.
If you love what you do but feel overwhelmed, maybe you need better boundaries (yes, you can say no to that extra project). If you’re in a job that drains you, start looking for something better. And if you’re still figuring out what you even want to do? That’s okay. Just don’t settle for a career that makes you hate your life.
You are allowed to:
✔ Ask for more money.
✔ Switch careers if something isn’t right.
✔ Say no to jobs that don’t align with your goals.
You do not have to work yourself into the ground to “earn” a good life. The goal is to build a career that supports the lifestyle you actually want—not a life that revolves around your job.
Schedule Joy the Same Way You Schedule Work
I love a good calendar. But if every block of time is “meeting” or “work task” and there’s no room for life, what’s the point?
If you can schedule deadlines, you can schedule:
📍 Dinner with friends.
📍 A solo trip to the movies (my personal favorite).
📍 A pickup basketball game at the rec with your boys against 55 year old men (seemingly, a crowd favorite).
Because here’s the thing: If you don’t prioritize your life, your job will take all your time. Work expands to fill whatever space you give it. If you let it, it will consume your entire day. But if you create space for joy, fun, and actual living, work will adjust accordingly.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between a Great Career and a Great Life
Somewhere along the way, we were told we had to pick: hustle now, live later or have fun now and figure out money later. But why not both?
Work-life balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. Some weeks, you’ll work harder. Some weeks, you’ll be in fun mode. As long as you’re moving toward your goals while enjoying the day, you’re doing something right.
So here’s your challenge: Look at your week. Where do you need to adjust? More work? More fun? More rest? Be honest, and then make the shift. Because life is happening right now, and you deserve to have a career that supports it—not one that steals it from you.
I’m lucky enough to work for Freedomology, a company that prioritizes its workers as real people – while encouraging us to take the trip we’ve been wanting to go on, prioritize our mental and physical health, and helping us get ahead of our finances. Throughout H40 - our 40 day health sprint I finally understood the true importance of work-life balance and was equipped with the tools to get me where I want to be in my health journey. It’s time you do the same, join our next sprint at www.freedomology.com/h40!
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