"Work-Life Balance" has become such a commonly used phrase that we rarely if ever stop to even question its meaning. So let's examine it...

Work is part of our life. Of course. Few of us can afford not to work, and while many work in unrewarding, monotonous jobs, some of us find our work very rewarding and fulfilling. But the fact remains that work is part of our life. Part of it. "Work-Life" is then the ratio depicting how much of our life we devote to work. The amount we work divided by the whole of our life. Remember from math class? That's how you derive the percentage -- the part divided by the whole. So then, what percentage would provide balance? Balance suggests 50/50. But who wants work to constitute a full half of their life? Possibly some full-force go-getters. But for those of us who's ascribed to our modern, evolved priorities around family, friends, health, happiness, half of our life? Half? That's 12 hours a day, or 3 and 1/2 full 24-hour days at work. While I'd love 3.5 full 24-hour days to devote to non-work activities and interests, I can't imagine the price -- the other half week with no contact with family, friends, sleep... So what is the acceptable ratio? What's yours? Maybe that's one one initial step towards finding the work-life balance we discuss, read, and even moan about so frequently -- determining our target goal. What's your target percentage?