How do you think about work life balance?

24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.
Over time, my perspective on work-life balance has evolved, In the past, I used to view work and personal life as two separate entities that required strict compartmentalization. I believed in setting clear boundaries and allocating specific hours to each aspect of my life. While this approach seemed organized, it often led to stress and burnout, as I struggled to meet the demands of both work and personal commitments. However, as I’ve gained more experience and explored various strategies, my perspective has shifted. I now see work-life balance as a dynamic integration rather than a rigid separation. The concept of mindful transitions, shared pursuits, flexible workspaces, learning fusion and micro-moments deeply resonates with me. Read more>>
My latest album weighs heavily on this topic. It is called “Me And My Demons,” I wrote it about how difficult it can be to be a working musician/artist nowadays where you wake at 7 AM work full time, and often race straight to a gig or rehearsal afterward. Before you know it is 3 AM and you are sitting home alone after not being home for 13 or 14 hours at least, wiped out but unable to sleep knowing the stress and chaos await the following day. It isn’t a life for the faint of heart. In those few sleepless hours, I often say I am sitting with Me And My Demons. Trying to manage it all is overwhelming for sure. Oddly enough after doing this for so long I am almost used to this life. It has its moments where the escalation is so great it is tough to breathe but overall it is just par for the course in this sort of life we lead. Read more>>
Work-life enthusiasts, balancing the hustle and relaxation is like navigating a rollercoaster rather than chasing unicorns. The key? Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! Your priorities play the role of a DJ, shifting between ‘Work Hard’ and ‘Chillax to the Max’ tracks. Breaks are non-negotiable—let your mind have a spa day sans the cucumber slices. Clarity is your superhero cape, fluttering in the winds of productivity. Plan daily, be flexible, conquer challenges – after all, ambition comes with its own set of sacrifices, and hey, maybe even a cool superhero suit. Work-life harmony? It’s a dynamic playlist. Dance with change, embrace the chaos, and always take those breaks. Life’s your blockbuster – direct it with flair! Read more>>