In a fresh take on a perennial debate, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein has challenged the very concept of work-life balance, labelling it misleading. Instead, he proposes a more fluid and personal ideal: harmony.
Why 'Balance' is a Misnomer, According to Finkelstein
Speaking on the Aspire podcast hosted by Skims cofounder Emma Grede, Finkelstein argued that the term work-life balance is a "misnomer." He believes the rigid separation implied by "balance" doesn't reflect the dynamic reality of modern professional life. "I think actually what we’re all searching for is some sort of harmony," Finkelstein stated.
He illustrated his point with a personal example. "There are some Saturdays where I have to work, and there are some Thursday afternoons that I go for a walk with my wife. That’s my version of harmony," he explained. This perspective allows for integration rather than a strict, often unattainable, division between work and personal time.
Harmony is Personal and Changes with Life Stages
Finkelstein emphasized that the definition of harmony is not one-size-fits-all and evolves with personal circumstances. He shared how his own approach shifted dramatically over the years. Before marriage and children, he could work 80 hours a week consistently. However, when he had newborns, that intense schedule was no longer feasible or desirable.
"I think everyone needs to find their own version of it," he advised, underscoring that harmony is a flexible, individual pursuit. Crucially, he clarified that working extreme hours is not a prerequisite for success. He pointed to highly efficient individuals who excel by working focused 40-hour weeks.
Echoes from Other Tech Titans: Nadella and Bezos
Finkelstein's view finds resonance with other prominent leaders in the technology sector. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has similarly spoken about harmonising his work with his personal passions and responsibilities.
Furthermore, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos dismissed the phrase "work-life balance" as "debilitating" back in 2018. Bezos preferred to visualise work and life not as a balancing act but as an integrated circle. This collective shift in rhetoric from top executives highlights a growing trend towards rejecting rigid frameworks in favour of more adaptable and sustainable models for managing professional and personal commitments.
Ultimately, Finkelstein's advocacy for "harmony" offers a flexible alternative. It encourages professionals to craft a fluid blend of work and life that adapts to their current reality, prioritises efficiency over long hours, and rejects the guilt often associated with not achieving a perfect balance.
