It's Okay to Have a Life Outside of Work

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with someone who was in desperate need of financial guidance.  

They insisted that they could only meet on the weekend, which posed a bit of a challenge for me. You see, weekends are my sacred family time, and I'm a firm believer in safeguarding personal time. In the end, it became evident that I might not be the right fit for them.

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, it's not uncommon to feel like you're constantly juggling multiple responsibilities.

From work demands to personal commitments, finding equilibrium can often seem like an elusive goal. 

What made this scenario particularly intriguing was the fact that these individuals had no children and were engaged in corporate jobs that offered some flexibility. On the surface, it seemed like arranging a weekday meeting wouldn't have been too cumbersome (in fact I have a client that works in a similar role at the same company).

However, what stood out was their mental barrier. The reluctance to take time off for something that wasn't an immediate emergency or "on fire" revealed an all-too-common mindset. A mindset that places work above everything else, including personal health and wealth.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wholeheartedly believe in the value of hard work and dedication to one's career. But I also believe in the importance of balance, of carving out time for the things that truly matter – family, health, and personal financial well-being.

In my own journey as a financial advisor, I've embraced the philosophy of 'eating my own cooking.' I practice what I preach, and that includes recognising the significance of a well-rounded life.

You see, those who are consumed by work, dedicating every waking hour to their careers, often find themselves unwittingly building wealth for someone else. It's a sobering realisation when you consider that, by doing so, you may be inadvertently lowering your average salary per hour worked. 

The key is finding that equilibrium – the sweet spot where your work serves your life, rather than the other way around. Achieving this balance isn't about sacrificing success or ambition. Instead, it's about working smarter, not necessarily harder.

As a financial advisor, I've had the privilege of helping individuals navigate their financial journeys. And one critical aspect I emphasise is the importance of ensuring your money works for you, not just the other way around. It's about making deliberate choices, setting financial goals, and finding ways to grow your wealth intelligently.

But none of this can truly flourish without balance. Your financial health is intrinsically tied to your overall well-being. It's a holistic approach that extends beyond dollars and cents. It's about taking the time to plan, strategise, and invest wisely so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while still living a fulfilling life.

So, the next time you find yourself burning the candle at both ends, ask yourself – are you building wealth for someone else, or are you striking that balance, growing your wealth intelligently, and taking control of your financial future? Remember, it's okay to have a life outside of work, and in fact, it might be the key to securing the financial freedom you've always dreamed of.

Want to know more?

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The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.