I have often heard women across different professional domains share their growing concerns about the lack of work-life balance; a struggle that takes a toll on their family lives, personal relationships, and mental peace. In this piece, I deeply wanted to advocate for that much-needed balance. Yet, ironically, due to my professional and academic commitments, this remains something I long for but rarely experience.

There was a time, not too long ago, when people could leave work behind as soon as they stepped out of the office. That era feels like a relic now, almost impossible to return to. I attribute this shift to the dual impact of technological innovation and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which have significantly reshaped how we live and work. These changes have tested our patience, perseverance, flexibility, and above all, our resilience. The concept of a workplace changed dramatically with the rise of instant communication tools like WhatsApp, and even more so during the pandemic, which forced us into remote work and digital dependency. Our personal spaces merged with professional duties, creating a new normal; one where boundaries blur and the distinction between “work time” and “family time” has all but dissolved.

Before diving into a gendered perspective on this enduring shift, let me first reflect on how it has altered the everyday fabric of our lives. Perhaps the most profound change is our “always-on” mode of availability, an expectation that we are reachable and responsive regardless of where we are or what we are doing. Whether we are travelling, attending family gatherings, or taking a rare break, we carry our work in our pockets, ready to respond, fix, manage, or teach. I recall conducting online classes amid family events, answering students’ queries during casual conversations with loved ones, and often feeling guilty no matter which side I gave less attention to. Over time, I have learned to juggle priorities, yet the juggling act is rarely seamless. Sometimes work takes precedence; other times, it is domestic responsibilities that demand my presence. Either way, something or someone, is often left waiting.

Despite any outward projection of composure, I admit that the balancing act is neither perfect nor easy. For many women, whether they work in public spaces or manage households, this constant negotiation between responsibilities can be deeply exhausting. It affects health, relationships, and career growth in ways we do not always acknowledge. As a working woman navigating both public and private spheres, I have come to believe that rather than chasing an idealized version of “balance,” it might be more sustainable for women to learn the art of juggling, skillfully, yet compassionately. The secret to finding some semblance of balance may, paradoxically, lie in occasionally going off balance. Doing so can allow us to make room for what truly nourishes us; a stolen moment of peace, a long-neglected hobby, or a dream we had quietly shelved.

I often wish our women could unapologetically carve out space for themselves. “Me time” is not a luxury, it is a legitimate priority. When we learn to juggle priorities with ourselves in mind, we begin to find clarity, peace, and a sense of wholeness that no external balance can provide. After all, understanding ourselves better is the first step toward living a life that feels grounded, purposeful, and kind to others, and to ourselves.