Work-Life Harmony: Why Hustling Won’t Get You There

Welcome to Career Well-being. Each week Ana Goehner empowers professionals to prioritize well-being with practical work-life strategies: workplace boundaries, flexibility at work, targeted job search, and career advice.

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Last month, I ran into Jane* at a local facility, where she had set up a small coffee stand. I didn’t think much of it at first, but every Friday morning since I’ve been getting my coffee from her and our conversations have deepened.

Last week, she opened up to me about how she ended up there.

Jane had been a director, managing a large team. Like many high achievers, she wanted to be the example, to show everyone how you could have it all—the career, the success, and balance.

Then came the layoff.

She was blindsided. Suddenly, she wasn’t the picture of success anymore. She felt lost, like a failure. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Jane found another job, and to her surprise, that job almost cost her more than her title. The demands and non-stop work were so intense that her health started to deteriorate.

Finally, she had no choice but to quit again—this time for her health.

Now, Jane runs a small coffee franchise and is enjoying her time more than ever.

When Hustling and Grinding Leads to Burnout

Jane’s story is not unique. I’ve been Jane, and maybe you have too. For so many women in corporate roles, there’s an underlying belief that hustling harder will solve everything—that climbing the corporate ladder will give you the fulfillment and validation you’re craving.

But what happens when it doesn’t?

For me, the grind led to physical illness. After seeing four different specialists, I still didn’t have an answer for my gut issues. It wasn’t until I saw a therapist that I finally understood: I was burnt out. The stress and pressure had been wreaking havoc on my health.

The truth is, your body cannot sustain long-term hustle without consequences. Stress, burnout, and lack of balance don’t just affect your mental health—they take a physical toll as well.

Your gut is often referred to as your "second brain" because it's highly sensitive to stress. Chronic stress can lead to everything from digestive issues to serious health problems. And yet, we’re told to push through, to grind harder.

Not Everyone Will Understand Your Quest for Work-Life Harmony

In a world that celebrates the hustle, deciding to prioritize work-life harmony can feel like swimming against the current. People might not understand why you’re stepping back, or why you’re not aiming for the next promotion. Some might even see it as giving up.

But here’s the thing: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your health, happiness, and well-being.

Not everyone will get it—and that’s okay. What matters is finding a community that does.

Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance (Even When People Don’t Get It)

If you're on your journey to find better work-life harmony, here are some tips that can help:

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables

Ask yourself what truly matters outside of work. Is it spending time with family? Exercising? Traveling? Once you’re clear on your non-negotiables, it becomes easier to build your life around them. Even if others don’t understand, hold firm to these priorities.

2. Set Boundaries Early

Whether you're in a new job or trying to adjust in your current role, set boundaries with your time and energy. Block off time on your calendar for breaks, lunch, and time to recharge. And don’t be afraid to say no when the workload threatens your balance.

3. Don’t Just Manage Time—Manage Energy

Time management is great, but energy management is crucial. Pay attention to what activities drain you and what recharges you. Prioritize activities that keep your energy levels up so you can show up fully for both work and life.

4. Be Selective with Your Circle

Surround yourself with people who respect your need for balance. Find mentors or communities that align with your values. There’s a growing movement of professionals like you who are focused on work-life harmony instead of hustle.

5. Get Comfortable with Imperfection

Perfectionism is one of the greatest enemies of work-life balance. It’s okay to give yourself grace when things aren’t perfect. Learning to embrace “good enough” can be liberating and create more room for you to breathe.

Embracing the New Normal

Jane’s story, and my own, show us that it’s possible to step away from the grind and still find success—just on your terms. Work-life harmony is not a myth, and it's not a luxury. It’s something we all deserve. And while not everyone around you may understand that, your well-being is worth protecting.

There’s a community of people just like you who are making this shift. Let’s continue the journey together.

*Name has been changed for privacy.

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