Work hard, keep long hours or relaxation for fun and profit?

Most people think that the formula to career success is work work work. Tired? Have some caffiene and work some more. My mom did it. She worked long hours and weekends and went overseas to places like India, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast. She had a fancy title and a lot of respect. She was able to support her family as a single mom.

She was also about 150 lbs overweight, smoked constantly - More Red, and drank whenever not working - after 2PM of course, since she "knew" all about alchoholics and alcoholism and alcoholics drink before noon. She had high blood pressure, varicose veins/phlebitis, headaches and got sick three or four times a year. A cold or flu or the like.

She also rarely saw us kids whom she was working so hard far.

So does this formula work? Sure it can. Some healthy vital successful people work long hard hours. But many become burned out and quit. Some die early or live a life of poor health. Many lose wives and become estranged from family, not being able to keep a balance of work, spiritual and family/community life.

I want to teach people that they can acheive balance - give them the skills to relax - for fun - and profit. Look at very successful corporations like Marriot who honor balance. Your kid winning a prize - what are you doing at work - go see the event! Aunt sick - go see her in the hospital. Or Lucas Ranch in CA, where the employees have pool tables and video games to use while on break.

There are too many companies to cite whose employees get burned out and create a revolving door of hiring and quitting or hiring and firing.

I feel if people learn the importance of sleep, family, meditation and - the basic - breathing - they can acheive much more then they ever dreamed. Companies who offer seated massage for employees, picnics, great health insurance, family leave and a fitness in some aspect or other will have happier, more balanced and rested employees and thus more productivity and profits.

That's what I think - what about you? The old fashioned - work hard - can't get anything without working long hours and hard hours - forget breaks and relaxation and sleeping a t night - have to take home work!

Which of course can work - althugh with some consequences - or do you believe in balance?