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Work/Life balance is an issue for me at my job...?

I just had a discussion with my supervisor about how life/work balance "philosophy" is not applicable to our company as "we do not have the luxury" to think this way. You should know that we have over a 50% turnover rate. It seems as though they do not encourage anyone to balance work with their outside life. I work an average of 12 hour days. Yes... I am looking for a new job. But what do you think about this? We are a young company and I agree that we all have to work hard. But does that mean giving up on your social life? Its not like I am getting paid enough for it. And even if I was... I dont know that I want to move up in a company that will strip me of my personal life. Its hard. Sometimes I feel like in order to accomplish some of my dreams I'll have to give up on others... life being a mom, wife, sister, friend, daughter, etc. I am only 24 years old. Any advice and or comments?

Public Comments

1. I come from a generation where we didn't expect to have balance. We worked, because we had to. This generation has a different expectation. I don't have an answer for you other than to say that you are in the wrong company. If the values of the company and your values don't mesh, you'll have to go elsewhere. I am very interested in the changes that will come to the workplace over the next few years. The current generation will force workplaces to embrace balance, rather than just play lip-service to the concept.
2. My dear,I understand your frustration, and applaud you for looking at your values rather than simply conforming to the system. Americans are working more hours for less pay and with less personal time than any other industrialized nation, and it has gotten much worse in the last 15 years or so. It is time that people started questioning the insanity of working so much and giving up precious time with their families. We are becoming slaves to the consumerist mentality of "more stuff = happiness" and the Puritan work ethic. The solution is to simplify your life as much as possible. We don't need so much stuff, we don't need brand new cars or great big houses and the huge mortgage to go with it. Plan your expenses carefully, and with an eye to creating financial freedom rather than a mountain of debt. I would highly recommend reading the book "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez. Good luck!