How society fools the poor with “work/life balance”
Summary
- My wife and I have successfully built six multi-eight-figure companies in the past five years, with our current group of companies generating roughly $85 million annually.
- We run Acquisition.com and actively work on the business, finding joy and purpose in the process of building and creating.
- I believe that work-life balance is based on individual preference; if work brings more joy than rest, then it makes sense to work.
- On my own birthday, I chose to work because that is what brings me satisfaction, despite societal expectations of taking time off for celebrations.
- In 2021, I took a step back from active work, which led to a miserable year because spending the money I made didn't bring fulfillment. The real joy came from engaging in the work itself.
- I view work as a means to create options for myself rather than a step to eventually not work. Having the freedom to choose to work is the real luxury.
- Building something with my significant other adds a level of shared respect and understanding that is hard to replicate in other relationship dynamics.
- I have observed that successful relationships can often be categorized as either partnerships in business or a cheerleader-and-quarterback dynamic.
- I found more satisfaction in the work-together model, as it comes with mutual understanding of the demands of entrepreneurship.
- It is important to create enough space within a working relationship to maintain a level of individuality and excitement.
- Compromising in marriage is a belief, not a fact. A shared mission, mutual respect, supporting each other's goals, and adequate personal space can lead to a happy and productive partnership without the need to compromise.
- The happiest couples tend to have their own careers or ventures. They respect one another's independence while sharing common goals and walking parallel paths.
- It's essential to correct for overfamiliarity by creating space so that each partner can grow individually and bring new experiences and discussions to the relationship.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest starting with what you enjoy. If you love your work, it's okay to choose it over rest or celebrations. It’s about what makes you happy. For example, on my birthday, working was what I wanted. That’s the kind of joy I'm talking about.
A good way of doing this is by focusing on work-life balance that fits you. Maybe like me, work is a passion and not just a job. If so, work more. If it ever feels like too much, you can change it. Remember, the goal is to create options for yourself.
Now, if you work with your partner, it's important to treat it like a team effort. Understand each other and the work you do. This builds respect and trust.
To have a strong relationship without compromise, work towards a shared mission. Support each other's goals and give each other space to grow. This way, you both can be independent and still walk together on the same path.
It's also essential to correct for overfamiliarity. Create personal space so that you both can have new experiences. This keeps your relationship fresh and exciting.
Working with your significant other can bring a deeper connection. But, be sure to keep that individual excitement alive. Have separate activities and work in different spaces sometimes.
In the end, the happiest couples are those with their own careers or ventures, common goals, and mutual respect. They don't have to compromise because their relationship is built on supporting and valuing each other's independence.
So, find your balance. Work if you love it, create a strong partnership with your significant other, and keep building your options. This is the path to finding satisfaction and joy in your life and work.
Quotes
"You have one life and they are your terms and no one else's"
– Alex Hormozi
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"I work to create options not to not work"
– Alex Hormozi
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"Compromise is a belief statement"
– Alex Hormozi
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"I don't believe that marriage is compromise"
– Alex Hormozi
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"The happiest couples are actually couples that have both have careers that are not necessarily together"
– Alex Hormozi
