Work-Life Balance Is a Myth

If you’ve ever visited the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, you’ll know what I mean when I say—work doesn’t have to feel like work.

There, in the middle of a cold, wet, messy fish stall, you’ll see something unexpected: people laughing. Tossing fish through the air like a game. Cheering. Performing for tourists. Connecting with customers.

It’s chaotic. It’s physical. And it’s joyful.

It’s proof that joy doesn’t need perfect conditions.
People found meaning in something as unglamorous as selling raw fish—because they chose to bring life into work.

And that’s exactly the point.

That fish market inspired what became known as the FISH! Philosophy—a work culture built around four simple principles:
Be There. Play. Make Their Day. Choose Your Attitude.

We talk a lot about “work-life balance,” like these are two forces constantly at war—one pulling us toward duty, the other toward joy. But here’s the thing:

Work is not the opposite of life. It’s part of it.

It’s not some annoying side quest you do so you can return to your “real life” at the end of the day. It’s where you create value, build identity, and spend a massive chunk of your time. And that’s not a problem—it’s just reality.

I’ve never kept track of my work hours.
Not because I’m a workaholic, but because I’ve never seen work as something outside of life. It’s always been part of my story. It’s shaped my confidence, my friendships, my growth—and sometimes, even my joy.

The Problem Isn’t Hours. It’s Disconnection.

When people say they want balance, what they really want is peace.
They want fulfillment.
They want energy left at the end of the day for things (and people) that matter.

But balance isn’t created by dividing your day into neat little blocks. It’s created by finding alignment between who you are and what you do.

For me, work and life were never separate.

From my very first job, my family knew my work. My colleagues became friends. I never had to “switch off” or “draw lines.” It all blended.

Work was not a burden—it was a form of contribution. A way of expressing myself. A way to grow, build, and give back.

Even stress didn’t scare me. I’ve always believed not all stress is bad. Some of it pushes you forward. Some of it sharpens you.

This is why the concept of work-life balance always felt strange to me.
It didn’t apply. Because nothing ever felt “off-balance.”

If You’re Chasing Balance, Try This Instead…

Stop fighting work. Start finding meaning in it. - When work feels meaningful, you stop counting hours—and start measuring impact.
Think integration, not division. - You don’t have to choose between work and life. When they support each other, everything feels lighter.
Ask what kind of stress you’re carrying. - Not all stress is negative. Is it draining you—or driving you?

Final Thought

You don’t need to be obsessed with work.
But you don’t need to resent it either.

Balance isn’t about separation. It’s about integration.
And when your work becomes a natural, respected, and fulfilling part of your life—you stop chasing balance.

You start living it.

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