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Why Work-Life Balance Is Overrated: Embracing the Art of Work-Life Blend

Writer's picture: DataBased UtahDataBased Utah

What's up, everyone? Recently, I found myself standing in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, after wrapping up a four-mile run. It was raining, 76 degrees, and the atmosphere felt like a mix of the Amazon and the urban concrete jungle. As my glasses fogged up, I started reflecting on a topic that’s been on my mind: the shift from work-life balance to work-life blend.


The Case Against Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance has been sold to us as the ideal way to live—a perfectly even split between professional responsibilities and personal time. But here’s the problem: life isn’t symmetrical, and what works for one person might not work for another. Balance is often a prescription someone else gives you, not something you define for yourself.

Work-life blend, on the other hand, is all about integration. It’s about weaving together the elements of work and life in a way that feels organic and tailored to your unique circumstances.

For some people, the perfect blend might involve a low-stress job that allows them to spend more time on hobbies, with family, or reading books. For others, it might mean working 16-hour days but taking time to hit the gym or enjoy a long lunch in the middle of the day. The point is: the blend is yours to define.


My Journey: From Balance to Blend

For the first 15 years of my career, my life revolved around frequent travel. I’d fly out every Sunday, work on-site through Friday, and spend Saturday with my family before packing my bags again. At the time, that was the right blend for me—and I loved it. But as life evolved, so did my priorities.

After going through a divorce and remarrying, I realized my work-life blend needed to change. My wife is a night owl who loves spending her evenings with her two cats. Adjusting to her schedule meant staying up later and shifting my work hours to the evening. Where I used to clock in at 7:00 AM, I now finish tasks at night after spending quality time together.

I’ve also started bringing family along on work trips. On a recent trip to Austin, I brought my wife and oldest child. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be taking my two daughters along on another work trip. Sharing these experiences has not only strengthened my family bonds but also made work more fulfilling.


How to Find Your Blend

Your work-life blend is personal, and it will likely change over time. Here are a few ways to start crafting yours:

  1. Know Your Priorities: What’s most important to you? Is it family, career growth, health, or something else entirely?

  2. Experiment and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to try new routines. Whether it’s shifting work hours, working remotely, or finding time for hobbies, see what works best.

  3. Communicate: Be open with your family, team, and employer about your needs and expectations. Collaboration can make a big difference.

  4. Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable. Be prepared to adjust your blend as your circumstances change.

  5. Avoid Comparisons: Your blend is unique. Don’t measure it against someone else’s version of success.


A Final Thought

Standing in Zilker Park, surrounded by rain and greenery, I felt a sense of clarity. Work-life blend isn’t about achieving a mythical balance; it’s about creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. Whether it’s changing your routine, integrating family into your work life, or pursuing passions alongside professional goals, the choice is yours.


So, as you think about your own work-life integration, ask yourself: What’s your ideal blend? Don’t let someone else’s prescription dictate your happiness. Define it for yourself and embrace the flexibility to make changes along the way.


Here’s to finding your perfect blend.

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