“20 years from now, the only people who will remember you worked late are your kids.”
– David Clarke
This quote struck a chord with me.
Early in my career, I believed that long hours were a sign of commitment and dedication. But over time, I realised that a lack of boundaries does more harm than good.
Here’s what I learned about managing work and family life:
➡️More Hours ≠ More Impact
The value of your work is not in the hours you put in, but in the outcomes you achieve. Being intentional with your time creates a greater impact.
➡️Your Team Watches You
If you’re always “on”, it sets the wrong precedent. Leaders lead by example, and when you create a culture that rewards long hours, you create burnout.
➡️You Can’t Replicate Lost Time
Your children, partner, or friends won’t always be there waiting. Missing out on key moments isn’t something you can make up for later.
But here’s the twist:
Can we balance dedication to work with dedication to family?
Yes—by choosing what to prioritise. The key isn’t to be less committed to work but to be equally committed to what matters most outside of it.
So, here’s the takeaway:
The impact you make at home is as crucial as the one you make in the office.
Where do you draw the line between dedication and boundaries in your leadership journey? – Ali Aydan
Ali Aydan: How I Learned to Set Boundaries as a Leader
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