Is Work-Life Balance a Misconception?

There are many definitions and meanings for work-life balance. For some, it’s equal parts work and life. For others, it’s feeling balanced as long as one part of life doesn’t overwhelm the other. In a recent Entrepreneur magazine article, Shark Tank mogul Robert Herjavec, says, “Work-life balance is one of the biggest misconceptions people have,” he said. “It’s not reality.”

Are those us of striving for work-life balance living in la-la land? Is this an impossible goal?

I don’t think so. I think a well-balanced life is possible — you just have to know your own definition of what that is and take ownership of it.

The article talks about how Herjavec was a stay at home dad for three years, but these days he’s “always on.” With three children, multiple businesses to run, and being on a TV how, it’s no surprise how busy he is. He says he’s not home for dinner at the same time each day, but his kids know he’s always there for them. So, I say, this is balance for him. Maybe for Herjavec, balance is the ability to be available when he’s needed.

“You have to figure out what’s important to you, realize that everything has a price and make sacrifices,” he says. Yes, we all have to make sacrifices in life. It’s just a matter of what and when those sacrifices are. If we can make informed decisions about that, then we can life a balanced life.

Do you think work-life balance is possible?