Work-Life Balance is a Lie (Unless You Do This…)
- dionewatson
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Let’s talk about it.
You keep chasing work-life balance like it’s some magical formula, one secret trick away from feeling completely in control of your time. You tell yourself, “If I just manage my schedule better, I’ll finally feel balanced.”
But let me be blunt: Work-life balance is a lie.
Not because balance isn’t possible, but because the way you’re thinking about it is completely wrong.
Balance isn’t about working less. It’s not about splitting your time into perfect halves, 50% work, 50% personal life. And it’s definitely not about trying to cram self-care into an already overloaded schedule like some sad afterthought.
The truth? Balance is about control. It’s about knowing when to say no, setting boundaries that actually work, and making conscious choices about where your energy goes.
And right now? You’re not doing that.
Let’s break down the real reason why you feel like you have zero balance, and how to finally fix it.
You’re Expecting Work to Slow Down (It Won’t)
I need you to really hear this: Your job isn’t going to slow down.
You keep telling yourself, “Once I get through this project, things will settle.”
“Once this quarter ends, I’ll have more time for myself.”
“Once we hire more people, my workload will ease up.”
No, you won’t.
Because as soon as one project ends, another begins. Once you “clear your plate,” someone will fill it up again. Work will never naturally slow down on its own, you have to make the conscious choice to step back and protect your time.
Reality Check: If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to “finally focus on balance,” you’re going to be waiting forever.
How to Fix It:
Stop waiting for an “easier time” and start enforcing boundaries right now.
Learn to say NO, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Accept that your workload will always be full, so your job is to manage it better.
You Treat Work Like It’s Your Whole Identity
I get it. You take pride in your work. You want to be the go-to person, the reliable one, the high achiever.
But let me ask you something: If you weren’t constantly working, who would you be?
Because for a lot of people, work isn’t just a job, it’s their entire identity. And when work becomes your whole life, the idea of “balance” starts to feel impossible.
Reality Check: If you can’t separate who you are from what you do, you’ll always prioritise work over everything else, even your own well-being.
How to Fix It:
Start defining yourself outside of work, what do you actually enjoy that has nothing to do with your job?
Set non-negotiable personal time (hobbies, time with family, rest) and protect it like it’s a work meeting.
Remind yourself that your value isn’t just in what you produce.
You’re Letting Other People Control Your Time
Ever notice how some people leave the office on time, ignore emails on weekends, and still keep their jobs?
That’s because they enforce boundaries, and people respect them for it.
Now, look at yourself.
Do you answer emails at 10 PM?
Do you feel guilty for taking breaks?
Do you constantly pick up extra work that isn’t even your responsibility?
Reality Check: If people treat your time like it’s unlimited, it’s because you’ve taught them that it is.
How to Fix It:
Set clear work hours, and stick to them.
Stop responding to after-hours emails and messages (trust me, the world won’t end).
Use phrases like “I’m unavailable at that time, but I can do X instead.”
You are not a 24/7 hotline. Act like it.
You’re Trying to ‘Balance’ Instead of Prioritise
The biggest mistake people make when chasing work-life balance?
They try to fit everything into their schedule instead of focusing on what actually matters.
You can’t do it all. You’re not supposed to. But right now, you’re treating every task like it’s equally important, your job, your health, your family, your inbox, your social life, your random coworker’s last-minute request.
Reality Check: Balance doesn’t mean doing everything. It means knowing what actually deserves your time and energy.
How to Fix Your Work-Life Balance for Good
Stop trying to “balance” everything, prioritise what actually matters.
Set firm boundaries between work and personal time.
Accept that work-life balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about control.
You’re Waiting for Permission to Prioritise Yourself
Let me ask you something: Who told you that your well-being comes second?
Because right now, it seems like you’re waiting for someone to say, “Hey, it’s okay to take care of yourself.”
But guess what? No one is going to give you permission.
If you don’t start prioritising yourself, no one else will. Your boss isn’t going to say, “Hey, I noticed you’re overworked, take the afternoon off.” Your team isn’t going to stop asking for help just because you look tired.
Reality Check: The only person who can create balance in your life is YOU.
How to Fix It:
Stop looking for external validation, prioritising yourself is not selfish.
Set hard boundaries and don’t apologise for them.
Realise that the world will keep spinning even if you take a break.
The Bottom Line: Balance is a Choice
Let’s be clear: You’re not drowning because work is too much. You’re drowning because you haven’t taken control of your time.
Work-life balance isn’t about having fewer responsibilities, it’s about owning your choices, protecting your time, and deciding what actually matters.
So, here’s the question:
Are you going to keep running yourself into the ground, or are you finally ready to take control?
If you struggle to say no at work, it’s time to change that.
Get instant access to 101 Ways to Say No at Work Without Sounding Rude for just £7.
Because waiting for balance to magically happen? That’s not a strategy, it’s a trap
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