Work-life balance. What does that really mean?

For some people, it’s all about separation. A defined start and end to the day. You log off, shut your laptop, and leave work behind both mentally and physically. That might mean walking out of your office, getting into your car, and using the commute to decompress. That clear line between “work” and “life” made it easier to shift modes. Now, in this remote environment, it requires more intention.

working from home

For others, it looks more like integration. Maybe you work a few hours at night or on the weekend. Then you take time during the day to run errands, squeeze in a workout, or go to your kid’s softball game. The boundaries are blurry, but the flexibility can work if it’s intentional.

Parent playing with child

What I have found to be common, regardless of the approach, is the theme of burnout, where people are trying to escape from work, not just manage it. They’re asking bigger questions about what defines them, gives them purpose, and how they want work to fit into their lives. Not the other way around.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for your colleague or manager might not work for you. It’s personal. Evolving. Sometimes messy. Only you can define what “balance” looks like in your world. And that’s where your power is.