If you were to imagine the ‘perfect’ work-life balance what would it look like? Would you envisage being a CEO with enough time to run triathlons before breakfast? Having your own successful business, while also bringing up three children and looking like a supermodel? Earning enough for a hefty mortgage, while fitting in yoga, dog walking, and a daily massage?

We can all imagine dream lives, of the sort lived by people in films or on TV, where coffee is endless, deadlines don’t interfere with important dates, and waitresses live in the sort of apartments fund managers might struggle to afford.

Of course, most of us know dreams are just that, and our lives will probably end up more Butlins than Bali, even if we turn the school run into a You Tube channel. But if you’re ambitious you aim high, work hard, and try your best.

But what if striving for more than is possible in 24 hours without five nannies and a clone is actually causing us more harm than good?

The pursuit of a 'perfect' work-life balance can paradoxically contribute to burnout. The pressure to achieve an ideal equilibrium between professional and personal life can create unrealistic expectations and added stress. Ultimately this leads to an unsustainable situation, where we may lose control of both our work lives and personal lives, and end up feeling burnt-out.

Subira Jones, aka The Corporate Hippie, a burnout prevention consultant, thinks the myth of a work life balance is holding people back from understanding their true values.

“The myth of the work life balance is masking the fact people don’t know what they want to do. Values and purpose are the most important thing to sustain companies and careers at the highest levels.”

Finding the right working environment, or even the right career, that aligns with your values can take time and sometimes we might only know a job is wrong for us after trying it.

“You have to go into new environments and try new things. Different roles can be chapters of a career.”

Here's four key reasons why your lifestyle might be leading to burnout:

Unrealistic Expectations

The concept of a 'perfect' work-life balance sets an unrealistic standard. Individuals may feel pressured to excel in their careers while also dedicating ample time to personal interests, family, and self-care. However, this pursuit of perfection can lead to guilt or anxiety when unable to meet these high standards consistently.

Blurred Boundaries

Striving for a perfect balance might blur the boundaries between work and personal life even more. People might feel compelled to constantly check work emails or engage in professional tasks during their supposed 'personal' time, fearing they're not doing enough for either aspect of their life.

Guilt and Stress

The pressure to maintain this balance often leads to guilt when work encroaches on personal time or vice versa. This guilt can exacerbate stress levels, creating a perpetual cycle of trying to compensate for perceived shortcomings in either domain.

Overemphasis on Control

The pursuit of perfect work-life balance often revolves around the idea of control – trying to control one's schedule, commitments, and time spent in different areas of life. This emphasis on control can lead to frustration and disappointment when unforeseen circumstances disrupt the planned balance.

The solution: Being realistic rather than trying to be perfect

Rather than striving for perfection, individuals can benefit from a more realistic and flexible approach. It involves acknowledging that achieving a perfect balance may not always be feasible. Instead, focus on integrating work and life in a way that allows for adaptation to changing circumstances.

Setting priorities based on values and needs, practicing self-compassion, and embracing flexibility in schedules can alleviate the pressure. Understanding that balance is not about equal time but about allocating time according to current priorities and situations is key.

Subira said: “Gen Z is breaking down the stigma about seeking help. Finding a great therapist is like being on a dating app. You have to swipe right a few times to find someone. The transition from being in survival mode to peace is hard. Give yourself permission to find that solution.”

The pursuit of a 'perfect' work-life balance such as we might see on social media can indeed contribute to burnout by inducing stress, guilt, and unrealistic expectations. Recognizing that balance looks different for everyone and embracing a more adaptable approach can help alleviate this pressure, promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of burnout. A ‘perfect’ work-life balance is really about finding a sustainable rhythm that suits your individual circumstances and promotes a healthier integration of work and personal life, no filter required.