Recently, there was media buzz surrounding a statement by Mr. Narayana Murthy, who suggested that young professionals should work 70 hours or more a week to help build the nation. The comment sparked debate—and it made me pause and reflect on something I’ve been thinking about since the start of my own career: work-life balance.
To be honest, I don’t recall my parents ever discussing work-life balance. They worked hard—probably more complicated than many of us today—and managed both responsibilities and sacrifices without much conversation about “balance.” It was just how life was. But in my own journey, I’ve found myself questioning, experimenting, and evolving in how I define and live out the idea of balance.
Below is a reflection on how my understanding of work-life balance has changed over time—not as a discovery but as an ongoing personal exploration.
Phase 1: The Struggle for Balance
In the early days, I believed that work-life balance meant an even split—50% work, 50% life. So I tried to strictly enforce a schedule: focused work from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, followed by a complete disconnect. No emails, no work talk. In theory, it sounded perfect: full productivity during office hours and complete rest afterward.
But in reality, it was mentally exhausting. The pressure to switch off instantly at 6:00 PM and remain switched off was unrealistic. Even if I wasn’t physically working, my mind was often thinking about tasks, deadlines, and meetings. I was compartmentalizing colleagues and friends. What I thought would bring peace actually brought stress and guilt—a constant tug-of-war between strict boundaries and the unavoidable mental carryover from work.
Phase 2: The Pendulum of Extremes
I then explored another approach that seemed more flexible—work extensively for a few months, then take an extended break to recharge. These would be week-long or two-week vacations spaced out every few months. At first, it felt liberating. There was no pressure to enforce daily boundaries; instead, it was a cycle of deep work followed by deep rest. It was a promising start.
It seemed to work—until I noticed that even during vacations, I wasn’t truly resting. My mind still wandered to work. I kept thinking about how I could improve, what I might be missing, and what blind spots I hadn’t addressed yet. The idea of “switching off” was more complicated than I had expected.
The pendulum of extremes—overworking, then trying to completely unplug—wasn’t bringing lasting peace. I wasn’t solving the deeper challenge of inner stillness and sustainable balance.
Phase 3: Exploring Harmony Within
Lately, I began to question the entire premise of work-life balance. Maybe I was completely wrong from outset. Maybe it’s not about managing time—maybe it’s about the inner scorecard i.e. managing energy and attention. Perhaps it’s not something I need to enforce with rigid boundaries or fix with vacations, but something I can cultivate from within.
Isn’t everyone ultimately chasing the same thing?
Whether it is success, recognition, or comfort – underneath it all, we’re all seeking peace, happiness, and inner contentment. This self-realization helped me see work-life balance in a new light.
It’s not about separating “work” from “life”—it’s about finding harmony in how I think, how I live and how I act. So, I started asking myself following new questions:
- Am I thinking right ?
- Am I carrying peace and enthusiasm inside me irrespective of the situation?
- Am I consistent with my thoughts and actions?
Gradually, these questions led to small yet powerful shifts:
- Work became less of a race. I became more focused and less reactive.
- Rest wasn’t just about recovery—it became a space for renewal.
- I realized that enthusiasm is a choice, not just a byproduct of circumstances. Even on hard days, I could bring a quiet joy from within.
This phase wasn’t about rigid planning or external control—it was about aligning my inner state with what I truly value.
The Path Forward
Each of us must discover ourselves on our journey. I don’t think balance is something I “achieve” once and for all. It’s something I have to constantly adjust and realign with my growth. Some days require more work, while others require more rest. But through it all, I’ve come to believe that the most sustainable form of balance is inner harmony—a quiet sense of alignment with my values, energy, and purpose.
Instead of chasing balance as an external state, I’ve started cultivating it as an inner scorecard—being fully where I am, doing what I do with presence and joy, and allowing myself to flow between roles without guilt or exhaustion. Let me end this with Warren Buffett’s quote on the inner scorecard:
“The big question about how people behave is whether they’ve got an Inner Scorecard or an Outer Scorecard. It helps if you can be satisfied with an Inner Scorecard. I always posed it this way: I say, ‘Look, would you rather be the world’s greatest lover and have everyone think you’re the worst, or would you rather be the world’s worst lover and have everyone think you’re the greatest?’ Now, that’s an interesting question.”
— Warren Buffett