Picture this. You have just got home from a long day at your 9 to 5 job. Now you’re on your way to a meeting with vendors for your new business. After that, you get dressed to go run a Zumba class. By the end of the night you’re so tired you don’t have the energy to socialize or do anything else but sleep to get ready for the next day with the same routine.

We’re in a time where it’s all about the hustle but that can sometimes have you questioning why you’re doing it. Do you ever wonder if you work to live or live to work?

What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with work to live! Essentially work to live means that your job isn’t the central part of your life and you allow yourself to enjoy other things in life, aside from your job. It means that once you get home from work you are able to think about other things such as family, friends, and hobbies. In other words, you keep your work and personal life separate and are able to enjoy yourself once you get home. The phrase work to live is the opposite. Working to live is your job being your sole priority. It means your work is your passion! The lines are blurred between your personal and professional life. 

Avoiding Burnout 

There’s no doubt that loving what you do is so important. It would be really hard keeping up a hectic schedule if you weren’t doing something you have passion for. But that doesn’t mean you should work yourself to the ground and not find times that help you unwind! Find times during the day when you are just doing something for yourself and not for work. Being exhausted all the time is detrimental to your mental health so it’s important to take a break once in a while. Pick an hour during every day where you either work out, watch Netflix, or just prioritize your self-care. Trust me you will thank yourself later!

The Solution- Balancing Between Life and Work 

I know this is easier said than done but you need to find a balance between your personal and professional life! It’s definitely possible, you just need to make a conscious effort every day to do something for yourself. If you’re currently feeling unhappy with your job or personal life, finding balance is your best bet in getting rid of those negative feelings. Just remember that you’re more than just your work, don’t make your career your identity! Get a hobby and commit it to it that way you’re doing something for only yourself! Make time to smell the roses and you’ll be happier than ever!

Written by: Hodan Mohamed