Work-life balance is out: work-life integration is in - Episode 53
You heard it here first: work-life balance is no longer something to strive for. Instead, let’s talk about a new idea of work-life integration. I’m sharing some eye-opening stats about remote work and getting real about the pros and cons of WFH life.
I'm breaking down practical tips for making remote work actually work for you, plus sharing my thoughts on why content creation as a career can be the ultimate form of work-life integration.
Whether you're thinking about making a career switch, trying to optimize your current WFH situation, or just curious about what the future of work looks like, this episode is for you!
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: trying my first ever unedited day in the life vlog on YouTube where I stitch all of my clips together with no music, color correction or cuts.
What Austen is consuming this week: Tim & Sydni on TikTok rewatching Disney Channel Original Movies
In this episode:
The pros and cons of remote work
Let’s start with the obvious: the way we work has drastically changed over the past decade.
Remote and hybrid jobs have become more common, though they’re still in high demand. According to CNBC, only 20% of LinkedIn postings are for remote or hybrid roles, but they attract 60% of job applications.
Clearly, people want flexibility.
I used to dream about being able to write from my apartment or a cozy coffee shop, uninterrupted and in my zone when I was an editor.
There are definitely upsides to remote work:
No commute, which means more time back for yourself
The comfort of working in your own space
Flexibility in how you structure your day
Fewer unnecessary expenses like transportation, takeout lunches, or random post-work happy hours
And let’s be honest—sometimes, less workplace drama
But there are downsides, too:
Loneliness or lack of community
Less structure can mean more hours and less focus
Miscommunications over email or Slack
Zoom fatigue is real
And for many, the line between work and life gets increasingly blurry
Building better remote habits
If you work from home, creating your own structure is key. A few small shifts can make a big difference:
Focus on goals, not hours. The traditional 9-to-5 mentality doesn’t always apply when you’re remote.
Simulate your old commute with a morning walk or evening coffee break.
Choose your primary communication channel and stick with it—Slack, email, or even good old-fashioned texting.
Try to create some physical separation between work and life, even if it’s just using a specific desk instead of your couch.
Get dressed! It sounds simple, but changing out of your pajamas can help shift your mindset.
And if you can, leave the house to work once a week—your local coffee shop might become your new favorite “office.”
The rise of co-working spaces
For those craving a bit of structure or social energy, co-working spaces can be a great solution.
I used to love the concept of Spacious, which popped up in restaurants during off-hours.
I also think more brands should follow in CoverGirl’s footsteps by offering a studio space for creators.
What is work-life integration?
Forget the outdated idea of “climbing the ladder” at one company for 30 years. Most of us will pivot several times in our careers—and that’s not a bad thing.
Work-life integration means recognizing that your work and your life are intertwined.
Many people freelance or build side hustles around their passions, while others choose a more traditional job that gives them time, money, and mental space to enjoy life outside of work.
It’s about making conscious trade-offs. Maybe you choose to earn a bit less to gain more flexibility.
Or you find a job that funds your passion, so you can log off at 5 p.m. and actually enjoy your evening.
Why content creation fits into integration so well
For me, content creation has always felt like the perfect form of work-life integration. I can capture parts of my daily life—like beauty routines, NYC moments, or travel—and turn them into content.
Of course, it’s important not to let content take over the experience itself. But I love that the two can coexist.
When you're self-employed or freelance, accountability becomes internal. You decide if that midday scroll is worth it.
You choose when to start and stop your day. It’s freeing—but it also requires discipline.
How to improve your work-life integration
If you’re ready to rethink your current setup, here are a few ways to start:
Rate your current job from 1–5: how much is it holding you back from the life you want?
Start small—maybe with a weekly walk, a new workspace, or a morning routine that feels more aligned.
Talk to your employer. Can you adjust your hours, drop to part-time, or take unpaid leave to travel?
If you’re considering a job switch, try to do it while you’re still employed—it’s usually easier that way.
Think about your risk tolerance. If you’re ready to take a leap toward self-employment, how can you make it feel less risky? (I’ve got a YouTube video that walks through how I financially prepared to become a full-time content creator.)
Summary
Work-life balance used to mean drawing a strict line between your job and your personal life.
But in today’s world, work-life integration offers a more flexible and sustainable way to design a career—and a life—you actually enjoy.
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