The graveyard is full of those people who though that themselves as indispensable for the world to progress. Alas, all of them are dead and the progress hasn't stopped. One of the core reason why we are NOT able to balance between work and life is because we consider that the organisation we work in cannot be operational without us, or we think that if we teach someone a skill or delegate a work to someone, he or she might take my role in near future. This is a false belief and short sightedness in a nutshell. To over come it he or she needs to be surrounded with people who are brave and with those who could teach him/her delegation while following a growth pattern.

As a career professional, think of yourself as the CEO of your career. Set clear job standards: list what's required and preferred in order for you to accept a job offer, similar to how companies do when it comes to extending job offers. Aim for a job that meets at least 70% of your preferences and ALL your requirements. If your role changes and deal breakers arise after acceptance of an offer and working in the role, consider it a signal for a shift. If these signals are ignored...it could pour over into other areas in your life. Remember, you have the power to "terminate" your employer from accessing your skills if they no longer meet your standards. It's your career, your rules—ensure mutual alignment for true work-life balance.

To help a mid-career professional achieve work-life balance, encourage them to set clear boundaries, like defining work hours and communicating them with colleagues. Emphasize the value of self-care—taking time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation to recharge. As a career professional, first of all guide them in recognizing when to delegate tasks and how to say no to extra work that may lead to burnout. This balanced approach helps sustain productivity while supporting personal well-being.

"I am in blood Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er." - Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4. Just push through the exhaustion and you too can end up like Macbeth at the end of the play.

Achieving work-life balance as a mid-career professional means focusing on priorities and practical habits. Start by identifying non-negotiables like family time or hobbies to protect what matters. Time-boxing tasks ensures work doesn’t spill into personal time, making you more focused and efficient. Schedule a monthly “recharge day” for personal reset, and use the two-minute rule to handle small tasks immediately, preventing mental clutter. Finally, recognize small wins weekly to boost morale and prevent burnout. Small adjustments go a long way.