Reflections on Work-Life Balance: Lessons from the USA

Having worked in the USA for three months now, I’ve come to a profound realization: the root of the competitive pressure many Chinese people feel isn’t just the intensity of competition, but rather the ingrained belief that we must never allow ourselves to relax.

A New Perspective on Work

Take my American colleague, for instance. At just 27, she diligently shuts her computer at 5 PM every day. Her weekends are spent either hiking or learning to bake. Conversations outside of work scarcely touch on the job. When I asked if she ever felt anxious about her work, she replied with a smile: “I worry because I’m not happy, not because I’m not successful.” 😌

Her response left me momentarily speechless.

Redefining Anxiety

In China, we are rarely taught to feel anxious about the lack of happiness; instead, we’re conditioned to worry about not being “good enough.” It seems that stopping for even a moment feels like a pause in life’s flow, erasing one’s value.

During my internship at a top Chinese company, I was greeted by HR with the line: “Getting in means you’re still not good enough; there are many hurdles you must still overcome.”

From a young age, we’re inundated with messages like, “If others can do it, why can’t you?” As we grow up, this turns into an internal black hole that consumes any feelings of having done well, leaving us with a singular thought: “I can be better.” 😔

The Fuel of Negativity

However, my time in the U.S. has shed light on a different approach:

• We often rely on negativity as fuel for motivation instead of using our passions to drive growth.
• When an American colleague makes a mistake on a project, instead of facing criticism, they hear, “Take a break and come back when you’re refreshed.”
• On the other hand, I’ve found myself, despite my best efforts, surrendering to doubt and feeling unworthy of my position.

Changing the Work Paradigm

It’s as if we’ve been conditioned to see work as a “judge” rather than a “partner.” 🤝

I once believed that not feeling anxious or busy translated to “lying flat.” 😴 Now, I understand that those who can proactively take a break are the ones who truly harness control over their lives. 💪

Moving to the U.S. hasn’t magically eliminated my competitive anxieties, but it has clarified that anxiety doesn’t need to be sacrosanct; it can be redefined as a customizable template for life. 🧩

Finding Self Beyond Work

No matter where I eventually go, I aspire to keep this newfound sense of identity beyond my job. Not every moment needs to be spent on self-improvement. Sometimes, a simple acknowledgment of “I am already good enough” is the gentlest form of rebellion. 🌸

Living at Your Own Pace

We don’t have to rush to conquer the world. Instead, we can learn how to live authentically at our own pace, free from external pressures. ✨

By embracing a balanced approach to work and life, we can discover a more fulfilling existence, encouraging others to do the same.