Work-life harmony

"This work-life harmony thing is what I try to teach young employees and actually senior executives at Amazon too […] I get asked about work-life balance all the time. And my view is, that's a debilitating phrase because it implies there's a strict trade-off.” - Jeff Bezos

Balance is good. We’re able to give our job the focus it deserves when we’re rested. And we have more energy when we’re able to carve out time for our other priorities. Friends, children, hobbies, faith, exercise.

Balance keeps us from falling over.

But harmony is better. We thrive when our job gives life to our other priorities. And vice versa. When we don’t have demarcation lines that separate “work” from the rest of our lives.

The touring musician who spends 4 days on the road and 3 at home each week has balance.

The touring musician who brings their spouse and children on the road has harmony.

Harmony means we’ve found work that fits into our lives in a way that actually makes us better spouses, partners, parents, citizens, and friends. We’ve found work that aligns with, supports, and advances our personal mission and values.

Work-life harmony is a paradox. On one hand, when we find harmony it can feel like we’re always working. On the other hand, we’re not sacrificing or compromising our relationships and values. Harmony creates a virtuous cycle.

Work-life balance is good. But it implies a trade off.

Work-life harmony is better.