GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 371
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people find it hard to balance their work with other parts of their lives.
What are the reasons for this?
What are the possible solutions to this issue?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
A large number of people struggle to maintain their work-life balance. This essay will first expound on how a hectic lifestyle and rising cost of living are the primary causes of the phenomenon and then outline how education and government initiatives are the most viable solutions to this issue.
The modern cult of busyness puts tremendous pressure on people. They are driven toward action, creation and achievement. Busyness seems a trendy status symbol and badge of honour in our fast-paced society. Therefore, many white-collar workers work long hours. A recent study revealed that a hectic lifestyle is deemed to be an aspirational status symbol. Besides, blue-collar workers also have long working hours. They are finding their income from full-time employment is scarcely sufficient to make ends meet. So, people raise earnings with extra work in order to match the rising cost of living. This is why so many people find it hard to maintain a work-life balance in modern times.
The best solution to this problem of work-life imbalance is to educate people about the dangers of being constantly busy. If executives are more aware of the consequences associated with busyness, they might think twice before spending long hours in the workplace. Moreover, governments should introduce strict laws to dismantle the cult of busyness. If there are restrictive laws, executives can enjoy the legal right to ignore after-hours tasks. Countries where tough laws are imposed, for instance, typically have lower working hours. Besides, the government also ought to subsidize basic commodities so as to lower their price. If the price of daily necessities is brought down, the lower-income groups no longer need to work overtime.
To conclude, many people are grappling with their work-life imbalance because of the cult of busyness coupled with the rising cost of living. However, if executives are given enough information about the risks they are taking by leading a hectic lifestyle and require laws to limit working hours combined with subsidies on daily necessities, the problem can be alleviated to a great extent.
Model Answer 2:
These days, many individuals struggle to achieve a harmonious balance between their work and other aspects of their lives. This essay aims to delve into the reasons behind this challenge and explore potential solutions to mitigate its impact.
One of the primary reasons for the difficulty in achieving work-life balance is the pervasive culture of overwork and long working hours. Many professionals find themselves immersed in demanding work schedules, often driven by high job expectations and the desire to achieve career success. Consequently, they have limited time and energy to allocate to personal relationships, leisure activities, or self-care. For instance, a study conducted by a renowned research institute in 2019 found that professionals in the corporate sector work an average of 50 hours per week, leaving minimal room for personal pursuits.
Another contributing factor is the advancement of technology, which has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. With the prevalence of smartphones and laptops, individuals are increasingly connected to their work obligations even outside of traditional working hours. This constant accessibility leads to heightened stress levels and a lack of separation between professional and personal spheres. For example, an employee may find themselves checking work emails during family gatherings or feeling compelled to respond to work-related requests during personal downtime.
To address these challenges, organizations can implement policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and remote work options. By allowing employees to customize their work schedules to fit their personal needs, they can better manage their time and responsibilities.
Additionally, individuals themselves can take proactive steps to establish boundaries between work and personal life. This may involve setting clear guidelines on when to disconnect from work-related communication and dedicating specific time slots for personal pursuits. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones, can also contribute to achieving a better work-life balance.
In conclusion, the challenges associated with balancing work and other facets of life are multifaceted, stemming from factors like long working hours and technological advancements. However, organizations and individuals can collaborate to mitigate these issues by implementing flexible policies and cultivating a supportive culture.