You know that moment when someone cheerfully says, “I just need to find balance,” and you resist the urge to ask, “Where exactly are you buying yours from?” Because honestly, if work-life balance were a tangible thing, it would probably be sold out on Jumia or hoarded by the universe’s overachievers.
The phrase “work-life balance” sounds so elegant—like a peaceful yoga pose. But in reality, it feels more like trying to do downward dog on a moving bus. You stretch, adjust, breathe, and still end up wobbling.
For many of us, life doesn’t come neatly divided into 50% work and 50% personal time. Some days, work wins. Other days, life yells louder. And occasionally—just occasionally—both sides agree to a truce, and that’s what we call balance.
Let’s be honest: the idea that we can perfectly juggle work, relationships, family, hobbies, fitness, finances, and self-care is kind of hilarious. It assumes we all have the same 24 hours, the same energy levels, and zero Lagos traffic. (Yes, I said Lagos traffic—because how can anyone be “balanced” after spending two hours just to move five kilometers?)
The truth is, balance isn’t static. It shifts with your priorities and seasons. Sometimes, your job needs your full attention—those tight deadlines, big pitches, or growth phases where sleep becomes a luxury. Other times, your body or heart reminds you, “Hey, you need to rest,” or “You’ve missed your friends,” or “Remember that book you swore you’d read since March?”
The problem starts when we treat balance like a destination instead of a rhythm. We think we’ll arrive at it someday—like “Congratulations! You’ve unlocked Level 10: Eternal Calm.”
Spoiler alert: that day never comes.
Instead, maybe we should redefine it. What if balance simply means being present wherever you are? When you work, work fully. When you rest, rest without guilt. When you’re with family, put your phone away and actually be there. That’s not mythical—it’s mindful.
And maybe we should stop romanticizing the word “balance” altogether. Because let’s face it, some weeks are beautifully chaotic. You’ll forget to drink water, miss a gym day, and your laundry pile might start whispering your name. But you’ll also have moments of laughter, productivity, or creativity that remind you—hey, you’re doing just fine.
So, is work-life balance a myth?
Maybe.
But finding harmony in the madness—that’s real. And it’s personal.
After all, nobody’s doing it perfectly; we’re all just trying to dance to the music without stepping on too many toes.
