I'm Park Min-soo, a software engineer. My life is all about work, work, and work—no time for myself, and I'm distancing myself from family and friends, but I can't find a way out of this cycle.
Name: Park Min-soo
Occupation: Software Engineer
Country: South Korea
City: Seoul
I'm Park Min-soo, a software engineer. My life is all about work, work, and work—no time for myself, and I'm distancing myself from family and friends, but I can't find a way out of this cycle.
Office hours from 9am to 10pm every day, then coding until midnight. I can't remember the last time I walked in nature, or spent time with my family.
I know this job gives me financial security, my career is going well, but is that all life is about? No hanging out with friends, no moments for myself—is this robot-like life really life?
I don't know how to balance it. I don't want to give up everything, but I can't go on like this anymore.
Dear Min-soo,
Reading your words, I feel like you're just working, but life has disappeared somewhere. This feeling is very true, and it's not just your problem—many professionals around the world are suffering from this same crisis.
But there's good news—it's possible to change. And you don't have to quit your job to do it, you just have to reorganize your life.
1. Busyness does not mean success, you also need quality of life
First, a question: Why do you work so much?
- To improve your career?
- To keep the boss happy?
- To secure your future?
These reasons are quite logical, but if you completely immerse yourself in them, then that future will eventually seem meaningless. You have to first understand that there is life outside of work.
2. No time? Or no time management?
Many times we think, "lack of time," but in reality we don't manage our time properly.
✅ 10-minute test:
Take a day to notice where you're wasting time—unnecessary meetings, social media, extra work? If you fix these areas, you'll see that it's possible to make time for yourself.
✅ Learn to say "no":
You don't have to do all the work, not all the responsibilities are yours. If any task is causing you undue stress, discuss it with your manager or team.
3. Create small moments outside of work
You can't change your entire lifestyle in a hurry, but you can make small changes—
- Just listen to your favorite music for 10 minutes on your way to the office.
- Go for a 5-minute walk outside during lunch.
- Read a book or meditate for 15 minutes before going to bed at night.
These may seem small, but they will restore your peace of mind.
4. Do a 'digital detox' at least 1 day a week.
One day a week, turn off all email and office messaging apps for at least a few hours. Meet up with friends, spend time with family, or go somewhere alone and sit down—do something just for yourself.
5. Draw a line between work and personal life.
- Try not to work outside the office (unless it's absolutely necessary).
- Stop checking office emails or messages after a certain time.
- Remind yourself—work is important, but life is more important.
6. Make changes gradually—not in a rush
Change doesn't happen overnight. Make small changes, and gradually you will see that you are regaining your balance.
Last words:
Min-soo, you are not just an employee—you are a friend, a child, a human being.
If you fill your life with only "deadlines" and "projects", one day you will look back and see that everything has passed, but you have not truly enjoyed life.
You can, just start making small changes today.
Best wishes,
Askly Help