Why Work-Life Balance doesn’t really exist?
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - Joe Kiedinger
The idea of work-life balance has been sold as the ultimate goal for professionals trying to manage both career and personal well-being. But let’s be honest: the perfect 50/50 split doesn’t exist—at least not consistently. Between emails that creep into dinner hours and tasks that spill over into weekends, balance becomes more of a moving target than a stable state. Instead of striving for a mythical equilibrium, it’s more realistic to think about creating intentional boundaries.
Boundaries are how we protect our time, energy, and mental space. They’re not about rigid schedules or shutting out work entirely, but about defining when we’re “on” and when we’re not. That might mean turning off Slack notifications after 6 p.m., or resisting the urge to check your inbox first thing in the morning. Boundaries don’t just help prevent burnout—they actually make us more present, both at work and at home. The clearer we are about what’s okay and what isn’t, the easier it becomes to prioritize what really matters.
And this week, what matters might just be unplugging. With the 4th of July coming up, we’re being handed a rare opportunity to step back and reset. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, catching fireworks, or just enjoying a quiet day with no meetings, give yourself permission to truly disconnect. Put your out-of-office message on, leave your laptop closed, and let the long weekend be what it’s meant to be: a break.
In a world that celebrates hustle and always-on culture, choosing to unplug is a powerful act. It reminds us that rest is productive, too. So this Independence Day, give yourself the freedom to draw the line between work and life—if only for a day or two. You might find that what we call “balance” starts with saying no more often and logging off completely, at least once in a while.
Happy 4th of July!
Joe