‘Don’t guard your weekends’: Delhi CEO’s take on work-life balance sparks viral debate

The post quickly gained traction on the platform, prompting a wide range of reactions.

Aryan Kochhar, a Delhi-based entrepreneur and CEO, stirred a conversation on LinkedIn after sharing his views on the pursuit of work-life balance among young professionals. In a viral post, Kochhar argued that prioritising balance too early in life could hinder ambition and diminish long-term success.

“If someone is chasing work-life balance at 25, then they will be chasing relevance at the age of 40,” he wrote. While clarifying that he was not entirely opposed to the concept of balance, Kochhar emphasised that timing was crucial. “Yes, balance is important – but timing is everything,” he added.

Kochhar contended that certain phases of life require a deliberate embrace of imbalance, particularly in the formative years of one’s career. “There are phases in life meant for imbalance. Phases where late nights aren't a problem – they're a privilege. Where losing sleep over your craft is how you build something that lasts,” he explained.

He went on to warn against early obsession with balance, claiming that it could ultimately result in neither success nor peace. “The irony? People obsessed with balance early on often end up with none – neither greatness, nor peace,” he wrote.

According to Kochhar, true fulfilment comes not from protecting weekends, but from building something of lasting value. “Because deep down, real peace comes after you've built something you're proud of. Not while you're obsessively guarding your weekends,” he noted.

He also highlighted the importance of knowing when to sacrifice and when to pause. “Sacrifice is seasonal. The smart ones know when to sprint. The wise ones know when to slow down. But the clueless ones keep searching for balance – and end up losing everything worth balancing,” Kochhar concluded.

The post quickly gained traction on the platform, prompting a wide range of reactions. While some LinkedIn users applauded Kochhar’s philosophy, others found his stance lacking nuance and empathy.

One commenter challenged the idea that balance and achievement were mutually exclusive. “I do not agree, one can definitely achieve anything, if he or she balances their everyday tasks... The real tough thing is how you manage your daily tasks in a balanced way which will not affect your health and most people can't do it,” the user wrote.

Another person echoed the sentiment, advocating for personalisation over rigid generalisation. “I guess it's about finding a flow that works for you... It's walking a fine line between working hard enough but not at the cost of some primary factors like health,” they posted.

A third user focused on the broader implications of balance, writing: “Balance is something which allows everyone to coexist even in the most chaotic and uncertain times.” The comment underlined the belief that equilibrium in life was not just about individual ambition, but about social and emotional stability.

However, some respondents resonated with Kochhar’s reflections on intensity and growth. One user praised the original post, remarking: “Balance isn't a destination; it's a rhythm. And the rhythm often demands hustle, grit, and uncomfortable growth... Perhaps there is a sweet spot – knowing what matters most at each phase, and being all in for it!”