In the working world, the topic of striving for work-life balance has often led to a heated debate among those in the workforce. Some are strong proponents of work-life balance, pointing out that one’s entire life should not revolve around their job, and that other aspects such as mental health and wellbeing should also be taken into account.
While others say that young people should learn the value in hard work as well as sacrifice, and put the effort in to prove themselves before considering the notion of asking for work-life balance.
Local celebs laugh at young people who want work-life balance
While there is no definitive answer to this quandary, the discourse has once again been raised during a segment of local celebrity Amelia Henderson’s podcast show, Studio Sembang.
In a snippet that was shared by the podcast’s official Twitter account, she could be seen engaging in a discussion with fellow local actress Janna Nick on a variety of different subjects pertinent to the concerns of young Malaysians today. Among them include the current generation’s insistence on maintaining work-life balance.
In the short clip, Janna claims that she has noticed that younger Malaysians who are joining the workforce tend to ask for work-life balance, before bursting out into a giggle.
“Sorry yeah, I only managed to achieve work-life balance when I turned 28, which is now.
This is after I have a certain amount, after I’ve bought two homes, after I own my own car. I’m not saying this to show off, I’m saying that I can relax a bit after I already secured certain things in my life.” she said.
Janna then goes on to add that she believes those who have yet to achieve their very first goal in life shouldn’t be thinking about work-life balance, unless they have parents who are already well to do. In that capacity, Amelia could be heard agreeing with her.
Video clip sparks discourse online
The video has since sparked a divide in opinions, with some supporting Janna’s perspective in believing that in order to strive for one’s goals, one should have to work hard and he willing to compromise on having less time for themselves.
“What she said is correct, we live in Malaysia guys, not in other countries that are more stable. We have to hustle if we want to live an easy life. Otherwise, just look at the state you’ll be in. You have to work two or three jobs, only then can you relax a bit when you’re older. That’s the reality of living in Malaysia.”
“Everyone has different goals. For me, I agree with what Janna Nick says. Hustle all the way until 35-years-old. After 35, I’m free of debt and can live my life to the fullest.”
“What Janna said isn’t 100% wrong. I agree with her, if you want to achieve your goals, you need to hustle like crazy and have less time for rest or to spend with family. But for everyday people working in an office from eight to five, then part time from six to ten, or even commit themselves to 100 hours of overtime, they may not necessarily be able to own two flats either.”
“Sorry, but I have to agree with her on this one. We take it from the context of achieving one’s goals. In order to succeed, we need to hustle our way up. Hustling means sacrificing time off, sleep, and time to spend with our loved ones. There’s no balance in it.”
Yet on the flipside, others point out that work-life balance is crucial for those who are employed as it helps set boundaries between work and personal life, while helping them to maintain their wellbeing.
One netizen points out that the hustle mindset only applies to those who are working their own businesses, and not to those who are simply employed on a 9-to-5 grind.
“Work-life balance is only irrelevant if you’re not spending your days staring at a blue light for 8 hours everyday and you get to decide your schedule because you’re your own boss.
Working office hours, in retail, at the end of the month you get your salary. Never ever compromise your work-life balance.”
Some are also critical of the fact that Janna and Amelia both work in the entertainment industry and not as common employees, which makes their circumstances different from others where work-life balance is concerned.
A netizen also points out that not everybody is aiming for the same goals, and that they should not cast judgement or define what work-life balance means to others.
“Janna Nick and Amelia Henderson, everyone’s life goals are different. Not everyone aims to have two homes like you. So stop defining what work-life balance should be to everyone. Shut up.”
What are your thoughts on the matter?
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