Entrepreneur’s 12-point guide on why employees should leave office on time strikes a chord: 'Life is...'

A London-based founder’s LinkedIn post on the importance of leaving work on time gained widespread attention after he set out 12 reasons why maintaining boundaries between professional and personal life was crucial.

Dan Murray, an entrepreneur who has co-founded several start-ups, argued in his post that employees should resist the pressure to stay late at the office and instead recognise the value of protecting their health, relationships and well-being.

In his list, Murray explained:

1. Work never truly ends, and personal time is valuable.


2. Employment is not life itself. A job was only a fraction of one’s identity, he said, and should not be allowed to dominate everything.


3. Life outside the office mattered. He urged people to prioritise family, friendships, hobbies and self-care.


4. Longer hours did not mean greater productivity. Murray pointed to research showing output dropped after eight hours, and deteriorated significantly after ten to twelve.


5. Extended working hours harmed health. Stress, sleep disorders and cardiovascular problems were among the risks, he warned.


6. Overwork could not be sustained indefinitely. While some people might manage for short bursts, it was not a viable way to work long term.


7. Finishing on time helped establish boundaries. Murray said that by leaving at a reasonable hour, people set a clear signal that their personal time should be respected.


8. Stepping away improved happiness. Time spent on activities beyond work contributed to overall fulfilment.


9. Personal relationships benefited. Families and friends thrived when not neglected in favour of office hours.


10. Energy levels were higher. Rest, he said, allowed people to return to work with greater stamina and focus.


11. Balance between work and life was improved. Leaving at the right time, Murray argued, created a stronger sense of fulfilment.


12. Teams gained from healthier colleagues. He concluded that caring for oneself outside of the office ultimately made someone a stronger contributor within it.

After setting out his reasoning, Murray added: “When you care for yourself outside of work, you'll be a better contributor to your team overall. Don't sacrifice your well-being for work.”

His reflections were widely shared, drawing agreement and commentary from professionals on the platform. One user wrote: “Love this… long hours might look like commitment, but they often erode the very qualities that make work great. Boundaries, rest, and time for life outside the office are what keep people energised and creative.”