Life, not a bed of roses

SN Subrahmanyan, the Chairman and Managing Director of L&T, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate encompassing Engineering, Infrastructure, Information Technology, and Financial Services, has ignited controversy following his suggestion of a 90-hour workweek.

His remark, "How long can one gaze upon one's spouse?" has elicited substantial backlash and criticism.

However, the individuals disseminating his statement may not fully appreciate the substantial effort required to attain such prominence. These same individuals have not criticised Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, who are recognised as dedicated workaholics who prioritised their professional commitments above personal leisure. It has been reported that Elon Musk maintains a mattress in his office. From Mark Zuckerberg to Mukesh Ambani, every leader acknowledges the cost of success and willingly invests in it.

If achieving work-life balance is a primary objective in one’s life, a salary package amounting to 52 crores, or even one-tenth of that sum, will perpetually remain out of reach. S. N. Subrajamyam is aware of this reality and has acted accordingly. Furthermore, it is not solely he who embodies this understanding; many individuals I am acquainted with, ranging from those moderately successful to those less so, diligently invest 70 to 80 hours each week without complaint. Is it reasonable to presume that Narayan Murthy successfully shaped Infosys while upholding a work-life balance?

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi had considered work-life balance, the extensive development of airports, highways, startup culture, Digital India, providing millions of houses for the impoverished, and establishing electricity in every village would likely remain an unattainable aspiration. Work-life balance is a privilege associated with dynastic politics; unsurprisingly, Rahul Gandhi frequently travels to Bangkok in pursuit of his inspiration.

To ramble on work-life balance, first do some work worthy of inspiring others, make some money, get a life and then try finding the balance.

-The views expressed here are of Amit Shankar, Founder, HOL, and in no way represent the view of the agency or its team.