Let’s face it — finding the right balance between work and personal life often feels like a juggling act. Staying on top of day-to-day tasks without losing sight of what truly matters can be a real challenge.
Over the past few years, the concept of work-life balance has undergone a major transformation. From the rigidity of being on-site full-time to the flexibility of working from home during the pandemic (remember COVID?), I’ve experienced a variety of approaches to flexible working.

Today, I’m happy to say that I’ve found a balance that works. Not just for me, but also for my family and my role at Zure.

From early career to family life – A journey of change

When I first started my career in IT, my life revolved around building my skills, impressing colleagues and proving myself. In the early years, it was all about long office hours, weekend projects, and a relentless drive to advance my career. I didn’t have many distractions, so work naturally became my priority. I didn’t think twice about staying late to solve a complex problem or taking on extra projects.

However, it didn’t take long for me to realize this wasn’t the ideal situation. I wanted my life to be more than just work. As my personal life evolved (moving in with my girlfriend, getting married and eventually having kids) my work-life balance was constantly in flux. Each major milestone in my personal life reshaped how I approached my professional responsibilities.

Of course, your employer plays an important role in this too. For me, it meant changing jobs a few times in an effort to find a better work-life balance. I must admit, these transitions didn’t always go as smoothly as I’d hoped.

The COVID shock: Full-time remote work

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it brought with it a sense of uncertainty, both professionally and personally. What had once been a temporary experiment (working from home a day or two a week) became the new norm, and it took a while to adjust.

At first, it actually felt pretty great. I was fortunate that my wife was still on maternity leave after giving birth to our second son, which meant we could both care for our children while I stayed connected to my work.

However, when my wife returned to work, things became much more complicated. Juggling the demands of two young children while trying to maintain productivity at home was incredibly challenging. We constantly switched between working in the home office and in the living room, and at one point, we even worked outside just to give our kids some playtime.

I often found myself catching up on work in the evenings after the kids went to bed. This, combined with what I now call “Teams fatigue”, nearly pushed me to the brink of burnout.

It became clear that something had to change, and that’s when I started exploring new ways to create a healthier balance between work and home life.

Finding the right balance: embracing the constant motion

Over time, I’ve come to understand that balance isn’t a static goal, it’s a dynamic process. It’s about constantly adjusting and adapting to the ebb and flow of work and life. And for me, that realization didn’t come all at once. It took time, reflection, and a lot of trial and error.

I’m grateful that I found an employer at Zure who not only understands this but actively supports it. When our CEO, Sakari, said, “You work until 17 and then you go do important things” it struck a chord with me. It was a refreshing reminder that there’s more to life than work, and that personal time is just as valuable.

Now, after almost a year at Zure, I can confidently say that Sakari’s words weren’t just a nice sentiment — they reflect the company’s true culture. With my kids’ ever-changing schedules, their hobbies, school pickups, and the occasional sick day, Zure has been incredibly understanding and flexible. They get that “life happens,” and they don’t expect you to compromise on family for the sake of work.

For the first time in my career, I feel like I’ve found a place where I can give my best to both my job and my family — without sacrificing one for the other. It’s not always perfect, and the balance is ever-changing, but Zure has made it possible to embrace that flexibility and thrive in both areas of my life.