While browsing on LinkedIn the other day, I stumbled across the following quote posted by a shared connection,
“There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” -Alain de Botton
I felt uneasy after reading it mostly because it goes against most of the professional advice I have received to date. Also, it is straight up depressing. The thought of a lifetime full of imbalance in hopes to ultimately achieve professional success feels discouraging. This quote really made me take a look at my own work-life balance as I go in to my third year of practicing law. I found myself wondering if this guy was right. Is it really impossible to be successful and have a healthy balance between your work and personal life? After giving it some thought, I would respectfully disagree with Alain de Botton’s position. Instead, I would argue that every individual needs to find a work-life balance that works for them, not what works for their colleagues or other successful corporate figures. I feel lucky to work in a corporate atmosphere where a healthy work-life balance is encouraged, I realize that is not always the case. However, part of seeking the right balance may require you to find a corporate environment that allows you to attempt to strike a balance between your work and personal life. The key is to determine what you ultimately want out of your life. Some people do not desire having a family, friends or children, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Then there are those who want to have a family, close relationships with friends as well as a successful professional life. I know it is a possibility because I see it all around me. For me, it is a no-brainer, I want to have a successful, long-lasting career in law while maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and family. I refuse to compromise one in order to have the other. I challenge you to do the same.
Kyla Wilder
Phone: 866-912-8639
Fax: 281-210-1361
