thanks for the comment. Yes the jazz quartet is a great analogy

S

I love the metaphor of jazz quartet. I also coach people on work life balance, although I always emphasize the kind of balance I’m referring to is NOT the balance scale where you can easily get off balance, or, as you said, need to sacrifice one for the other. The balance I prefer is like Yin/Yan balance — having 8 major areas of life in harmony.

If you use the music metaphor, it would be like conducting a symphony, with every part of your life in harmony, while taking into the account that sometimes one area or two might need a little solo time. But overall, all the instruments have to work together to create the beautiful music that is your life.

Hueina

You’re right – the culture has a big impact

You even see it in mainland Europe which often (not always, but often)has a different work ethic and culture to the UK – which seems to be more similar to the US than UK

Sital

For example, here in Japan many permanent back office staff (I am referring to Foreign Banks) are working to 7, 8 or later every weekday night.

Visitors from Oz and certain European countries used to remark on how late many people worked – and especially on how the long term foreigners (including me) seemed to be culturally conditioned to do so after a few years here.

Then again, I knew quite a few IT folks who really enjoyed the long hours and high pay world of living and working in Tokyo. Horses for courses.

regards