The lines between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred in recent years, with many people struggling to maintain a healthy balance between the two. For some, the integration of business and life is inconvenient and stressful, while for others, it is a natural way of life. But can we have one without the other, or can they coexist without immersion? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
The inconvenient merger of business and life
When we talk about the merger of business and life, we are referring to the idea that work and personal life are not separate entities but instead intertwined. This means that the boundaries between the two are blurred, and it can be difficult to distinguish when one ends, and the other begins.
For some people, this merger is inconvenient and unwanted. They prefer to keep their work and personal lives separate, seeing work as a means to an end and their personal life as the space where they can relax and unwind. When work spills into their personal life, they feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unable to switch off.
Others, however, see the integration of business and life as a natural way of being. They may enjoy the flexibility that comes with remote work or running their own business, where they can blend their work and personal schedules to create a more balanced lifestyle.
I learned many years ago when I became an entrepreneur.
- I had to be willing to work for myself with the same intensity and timeframes that I worked for my previous employers. Why give them more than you would ever give yourself?
- Do you NOT answer a call at 10 pm from an unknown number? That may feel like your personal time but when you have spent money on ads and other promotional costs, you may HAVE to take that call when it comes, because YOU paid for it. There was a point in my life where I had to merge business and personal time together so as not to feel a sense of friction in my life. Once your business is running and you have the tools in place, that’s when you can do more separating between the two, in my opinion.
Can business and life coexist without immersion?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. It depends on the individual’s preferences, the nature of their work, and the demands of their personal life.
In some cases, it may be possible to coexist without immersion. For example, someone who works a 9-5 job may be able to switch off entirely when they leave the office, without needing to check their work email or take calls outside of business hours. This creates clear boundaries between work and personal life, allowing them to maintain a healthy balance.
However, for entrepreneurs, the merger of business and life may be necessary for success. For example, entrepreneurs or business owners may need to be available outside of traditional working hours to communicate with clients or manage their business. In this case, it may not be possible to keep work entirely separate from personal life.
The key to managing the merger of business and life is to find a balance that works for you. This may involve setting clear boundaries, such as turning off your work phone after a certain time, or creating a dedicated workspace in your home. It may also involve prioritizing self-care and setting aside time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Communicating and setting expectations with clients and customers is critical here as well.
The merger of business and life can be inconvenient for some, while others see it as a natural way of being. Merging the two has given me great joy because I’ve been able to spend more time building companies, including living on a hemp farm. The absence of that friction is a great benefit, if you can live inside the harmony of what you create for yourself.