The hottest Work-life balance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The Modern Way of Escaping Your Problems: Working, Over-scheduling & Travel

The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao • 216 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Personal Growth Well-being Work-life balance
  1. Americans may overwork to avoid facing problems and maintain competitiveness.
  2. Busy schedules can be a way to escape dealing with personal issues and responsibilities.
  3. It's important to make time for reflection and think about solutions rather than constantly keeping busy.

So I Got Overwhelmed At Work

David Spinks' Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Work-life balance Personal Development Stress management Life Transitions
  1. When feeling overwhelmed, it's important to notice and identify what's happening in your body and mind. Awareness can help you recognize patterns of stress and anxiety.
  2. Regulating your nervous system is key to managing overwhelm. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help you feel more grounded.
  3. Talking about your feelings with others can provide relief. Sharing your experience helps you feel supported and can lighten your emotional load.

Open thread: Finding balance between extremes

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Balance Poetry Purpose Work-life balance Contemplation
  1. Find balance in work by merging personal passion with public good, aiming for a middle ground that sustains you and aligns with your values.
  2. Navigate through the all-or-nothing nature of work pathways, like the overwhelming job application processes, by seeking a balance between extremes in both personal and professional life.
  3. Strive to avoid negotiating work and life as separate entities but integrate them into a harmonious blend, ensuring that your work embodies both private passion and contribution to the greater good.

Inbox Zero

Spilled Coffee • 24 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Productivity Work-life balance
  1. Achieving 'inbox zero' means having no emails left to deal with, and many people find this very hard to reach. It's a great feeling once you get there, giving you a sense of accomplishment.
  2. To manage emails better, a simple system can be very effective. You can delete unwanted messages, delegate tasks, handle important ones quickly, or defer them to your to-do list.
  3. Having a consistent email management system helps you avoid chaos. It makes you look more organized and ensures important emails won't be forgotten.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

the 5-step framework for making clear choices

Tiny Empires • 73 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Decision-making Productivity Work-life balance Mental health
  1. Establish foundation decisions that are your core rules. This means making important choices once so you don't have to think about them again.
  2. Create templates for regular decisions. These templates will make your choices easier by providing a simple 'if/then' format for common situations.
  3. Batch similar decisions together and set rules for major choices. This helps you make decisions more efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Quitting & Returning To Work (Guest Post by Tom Grundy)

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 89 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Career development Mental health Entrepreneurship Work-life balance
  1. Sometimes, taking a break from work can help you recharge and find clarity. It allows you to step back and see what you really want in life.
  2. Returning to the same job after a break doesn't mean you're going backwards. It can give you a fresh perspective and a healthier relationship with work.
  3. Your mindset about work is powerful. Changing how you look at your job can lead to more happiness and satisfaction, even without changing your role.

Is the grass greener on the consulting side?

Kenny’s Sub • 119 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
💼 Business Consulting Entrepreneurship Freelancing Project management Work-life balance
  1. Jumping into freelancing or consulting can seem better, but it often comes with its own challenges. It's important to realize that every choice has its problems.
  2. Finding the right work-life balance is key. It's okay to take breaks from things you do regularly to avoid burnout.
  3. When choosing what to work on, ask yourself what problems you're willing to tackle. Not every job will be perfect, and it's vital to focus on what truly motivates you.

How to align your values with your work

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
💼 Business Career development Work-life balance Writing
  1. Self-exploration is important to align your values with your work. Take time to understand what truly matters to you.
  2. Transitioning from academia to industry can be challenging but rewarding. Soft skills and practical tools are valuable in various job fields.
  3. Embracing change and exploring different industries can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. There isn't just one path to a meaningful career.

Younger Faculty Are Leaning Out. Is That a Bad Thing?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🚌 Education Higher Ed Work-life balance Mentorship
  1. Young faculty members, like Sarah Trocchio, are facing challenges with work-life balance and feeling undervalued in academia, leading some to consider leaving the field.
  2. Sarah Trocchio's experience highlights the importance of aligning personal values with professional standards in academia to prevent burnout and disengagement.
  3. The future of higher education may depend on early-career faculty like Sarah Trocchio advocating for clearer work/life boundaries and self-care to prevent exploitation and burnout.

Going cold turkey as a solopreneur

Kenny’s Sub • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Creator Economy Solopreneurship Income Strategies Work-life balance
  1. There is a lot of misinformation in the creator economy, and it's important to recognize what is genuine versus what is just noise. It's easy to get caught up in trends that aren't based on real experience.
  2. As a solopreneur, you can choose to focus on what truly matters for your lifestyle, instead of just chasing profit. Finding a balance between work and personal life helps you enjoy what you do.
  3. Experimentation is key when building your business. Trying out different ideas helps you find what fits your values before committing to a specific path.

Reader Mailbag: Struggling to do it all

Tech and Tea • 246 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Career development Work-life balance Personal Growth Technical Skills
  1. Struggling with work-life balance, technical up-skilling, and finding identity outside of work is common among many engineers and professionals. It's important to prioritize what aligns with personal values and well-being.
  2. Careers in the tech industry can take diverse paths, and it's okay to explore different roles or take breaks to pursue other interests. Embracing change and personal growth is a natural part of a long career.
  3. Building expertise, whether technical or in other areas, is valuable and transferable across different domains. Prioritizing personal growth and balancing work with other life aspects is essential in navigating career challenges.

High energy on Mondays. Low on Fridays. Then what?

Kenny’s Sub • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Coaching Freelancing Work-life balance Small business
  1. Finding meaningful work can bring energy and fulfillment, even if it means taking a risk like starting a business.
  2. Challenges and surprises, especially money-related, can be stressful, but learning to manage those moments is key to growth.
  3. As a solopreneur, taking full responsibility for both successes and failures allows for deeper personal growth and resilience.

Boundaries in real life

Mindset Mastery • 78 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Boundaries Self-care Mental health Work-life balance Personal Growth
  1. Setting clear boundaries is essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining balance in work and personal life.
  2. Being able to communicate your needs and preferences effectively helps in establishing and maintaining boundaries.
  3. Prioritizing self-care and committing to activities that make you feel good are crucial components of setting and upholding boundaries.

Spewing at training

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 25 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Personal Growth Work-life balance
  1. It's important to connect nutrition and rest with performance. Eating well and getting enough sleep can help you train harder and feel better.
  2. The focus should be on overall well-being, not just hard work. Taking care of yourself can lead to better results in sports and other areas of life.
  3. Burnout happens when we prioritize work over health. Making time for self-care can help boost our energy and improve performance.

Workaholic, Skipping Dinner, 10x Brainstorm

Play Permissionless • 139 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
💼 Business Productivity Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Remote work Self-care
  1. Being a workaholic can have drawbacks, like diminishing returns and energy drain.
  2. Setting boundaries around work hours and prioritizing tasks can lead to better productivity and clarity of thought.
  3. Balancing work time between working on the business and working in the business can be key to business success and personal well-being.

Why I No Longer Freelance And Built A Productized Service Business Instead

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Work-life balance
  1. Productized services help you scale your business without being the bottleneck. By creating a fixed package of services, you can serve multiple clients efficiently.
  2. Setting clear prices and scopes avoids the hassle of negotiation and scope creep. Clients know what they’re getting for a fixed price, making the process smoother for everyone.
  3. With productized services, you can establish a steady income stream and minimize chasing payments. Clients pay upfront for set services, allowing you to focus more on your business and less on admin tasks.

Let down by our jobs we're ready to take control of our lives

Make Work Better • 54 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture Employee Rights Work-life balance Career development
  1. Workers really want flexibility in their jobs, especially young people and women. It's important for their work-life balance.
  2. There’s a lot of disappointment with jobs, and many workers feel overwhelmed by their workload. A toxic work environment is the main reason people would quit.
  3. While work used to be a place for friendships, most people feel it lacks social connection now. They hope it will improve in the future.

10 Years of Solo Consulting

burkhardstubert • 159 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Consulting Freelancing Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Value Creation
  1. Going solo as a consultant can be a great decision, leading to better income, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment. It allows for more freedom and opportunities to enjoy life outside of work.
  2. Positioning your services based on expertise rather than price is essential. It helps attract the right clients and reduces competition by showcasing what makes you unique.
  3. Listening to client needs is crucial for success. Asking open-ended questions about their future goals helps identify how you can provide the most value.

10 Years of Solo Consulting (Part 3)

burkhardstubert • 119 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💼 Business Consulting Freelancing Entrepreneurship Work-life balance Self-employment
  1. Working solo allows you to empower clients and make them self-sufficient, rather than keeping them dependent on your services. This helps clients gain control and improves their development processes.
  2. Choosing the right business structure, like staying freelance or incorporating a company, can greatly affect your taxes and financial management. It's important to understand these options early and adapt as needed.
  3. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for avoiding burnout. Engaging in activities like hiking helps relieve stress and provides a mental break from work.

Grind less in roles that suit you more

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development Job Market Salary Negotiation Work-life balance
  1. Consider pivoting to roles that align better with your strengths and preferences for a healthier work-life balance.
  2. Exploring different career paths before fully committing can help you make informed decisions about your professional journey.
  3. Job satisfaction and compensation are important factors to consider in choosing the right career path for yourself.

The Alchemy of an Unhappy Job

Ways of Working • 78 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance
  1. Our relationship with our jobs can change over time and can vary from person to person.
  2. Identify workplace poisons like toxic environments and misalignment with personal values that can lead to discontentment.
  3. Look for super-enhancers like alignment with purpose to combat workplace negatives and enhance satisfaction.

What Self-Optimisers Get Wrong About Habit

Reactionary Feminist • 10 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Lifestyle Routine Work-life balance
  1. Routine is important and good for creating a sense of structure in life. It helps people think clearly and gives them energy to enjoy life more.
  2. Opposing routine because it feels overly structured can lead to burnout. Instead of rejecting routine entirely, it’s better to find balance.
  3. Self-optimization can be restrictive and stressful. Routine should serve personal growth and mental freedom, not just efficiency.

Why I'm Working Three Days A Week | #257

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 118 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Parenting Work-life balance Self-care Family
  1. Working a 3-day week can be fulfilling and productive, even when balancing full-time childcare.
  2. Experimenting with unconventional work structures can lead to unexpected growth and satisfaction.
  3. Prioritizing personal values and creativity over traditional work models can lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling life.

Leaving Money on The Table | #250

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 147 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Personal Growth Life Decisions Work-life balance Financial Decisions
  1. Ali Abdaal discusses the dilemma between money and life enjoyment, choosing to leave money on the table.
  2. Consider the 'life path' where your needs can be met with and without money, prioritizing peace of mind and quality of life.
  3. Leaving money on the table can lead to psychological richness, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.

Unwinable Situations

Ways of Working • 58 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Personal Growth Work-life balance Self-care
  1. Don't stay in a job you hate, even if it pays well. It can lead to unhappiness and conflict with your values.
  2. Avoid investing in one-sided relationships. Trying to change someone who doesn't reciprocate will lead to resentment.
  3. Accept technological advancements instead of trying to stop them. Embrace change and find your own path within it.

Why Can't Americans Take A Vacation?

The Weekly Dish • 177 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance Physical therapy Medication Interventions Mental health
  1. American workers put in long hours, with some even working up to 90 hours per week, impacting their ability to take vacations
  2. The pursuit of material possessions and societal pressure to work hard contribute to Americans' lack of leisure time compared to Europeans
  3. Globalization and technology have intensified the work culture, making Americans always accessible and potentially leading to burnout

The Math of Burnout

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Work-life balance Corporate culture Self-care
  1. Burnout is normalized in the contemporary work environment causing adverse health consequences and professional crises.
  2. The root cause of burnout is severe, persistent task saturation and excessive workload, leading individuals to fall further behind and eventually break down.
  3. Fixing burnout requires controlling individual worker investment of time and effort by measuring workload and ensuring it fits within available time.