Redefining Work: A Balanced Approach for Our Generation
To the present generation navigating the complexities of work, some of you may be in your first jobs, while others are already questioning, How much of my life should I dedicate to work?
Reflecting on the Factories Act, which advocates for 40 hours over a 5-day week with overtime as an exception, not the rule, it’s startling to hear voices today normalizing 70-90-hour work weeks. But the pressing question is this: Do we really need to work that long? And more importantly, what should our attitude be toward work and our workplace?
A Way of Life: Then and Now
In my father’s generation, “Work is Worship” wasn’t just a phrase; it was a philosophy. Loyalty to one’s employer was almost sacred. Many spent 35 years with the same organization, working with integrity and resilience. Yet even in their dedication, the work week rarely exceeded 50-55 hours.
Then came my generation—a generation that lost balance. Achievements, ranks, and promotions were glorified, and work often overshadowed everything else, including family and personal passions. High-pressure work environments became the norm, with long hours seen as a badge of honour. But at what cost? Health deteriorated, relationships frayed, and creativity and personal fulfilment withered. Work felt like a battlefield where stepping back meant being left behind.
Your Opportunity to Redefine Work
Your generation stands at the threshold of redefining work and its meaning. Technology and tools have created unprecedented flexibility, enabling remote and hybrid work models. But with this freedom comes responsibility—how do you use it?
I came across a principle that beautifully aligns with the rhythm of life:
A day is naturally divided into three equal parts:
- 8 hours of work
- 8 hours of sleep
- 8 hours for yourself—to grow, rest, and simply be.
This balance is key. Remember, you’re not stepping into a warzone; you’re stepping into a workplace to earn a living and create something meaningful. Working excessive hours doesn’t make you a hero; it makes you a person for burnout.
A Healthier Perspective on Work
The future of work isn’t about spending more hours at your desk but about delivering meaningful results. No matter how indispensable you think you are, remember this: when you leave your job, the company will move on. Overwork isn’t a badge of honour—it’s a shortcut to exhaustion.
Instead, take the time to explore your second passions. Cultivate your health, both mental and physical. Let’s build workplaces that value creativity, sustainability, and well-being as much as they value profits.
A workplace should serve life—not the other way around.