From 9-to-5 to Remote Bliss: My Bold Path to Work-Life Balance

Mariana Eiane MD
6 min readDec 3, 2024

--

By Mariana T.Eiane, MD

Let’s be real: traditional office life isn’t for everyone. After years of working in demanding environments that offered no flexibility, I’m finally in the driver’s seat of my career — working remotely thanks to a year-long hybrid workplace arrangement with my employer. This decision didn’t happen overnight; it was a journey, shaped by my experience as a medical doctor and Research and Development Director in a Norwegian biotech company. And let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of transformative.

It’s all about having the freedom to create an environment where I can thrive.

The Power of Self-Awareness

The key to all of this? Self-awareness. You can’t create a work environment that nurtures your best self unless you take the time to understand what works for you. And that’s exactly what I did. I spent years working in traditional 9-to-5 setups, struggling to fit into rigid systems that didn’t align with my individual needs. I finally realized that the secret to my success was in finding a balance that respected both my personal preferences and my professional commitments.

Psychologist Teresa Amabile’s research on creativity shows that autonomy — having control over your work and environment — significantly boosts both creativity and job satisfaction (Amabile, 1996). For me, this means working from home, where I can control my space, time, and comfort. Scientific studies show that creativity thrives when we have the freedom to shape our work environment, a principle supported by modern psychology (Grant, 2021). This wasn’t just a gut feeling; it was rooted in science.

Embracing Flexibility and Individualism

Self-awareness also helps you tap into your strengths. I know that I’m most productive when I have the space to work without constant interruptions. Remote work allows me to do that — whether it’s working from the comfort of my home or choosing to spend time at one of my company’s beautiful offices (I have a choice between one that’s cutting-edge in the pic below and another by the sea). But I’ve learned that even though I have access to amazing workspaces, nothing beats the autonomy to decide when and where I work.

Office? Nah, I’m good today! #RemoteWork #WorkLifeBalance

Studies confirm that flexible working hours and environments lead to better performance, higher job satisfaction, and even greater career growth. A study from Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work report found that 71% of employees prefer working remotely because of the flexibility it provides . That’s a powerful testament to how important individualism and control over work conditions are.

The Science Behind Work-Life Balance

According to a report from the Harvard Business Review, employees with greater autonomy over their work environment experience reduced stress, higher well-being, and greater job satisfaction (Berg, 2021). When you’re empowered to make choices that work for you, you’re not just happier; you’re more effective in your role.

In a world where burnout rates are rising, the ability to choose your work environment becomes crucial. The flexibility to decide when to work, how to structure your day, and where to do it has direct benefits on productivity and health. This is particularly true for creative and independent workers — whether you’re in research, biotech, or any other field. Studies suggest that people in roles that require high levels of creativity are more likely to excel when given autonomy (Zhou, 2022).

Norway: A Place That Gets It

Norway is one of the best places to thrive in this new work paradigm. In Norway, the management style emphasizes that everyone’s voice should be heard. While the boss is ultimately the decision-maker, it’s critical that employees feel valued and part of the conversation. This cultural approach goes hand-in-hand with remote work, as it supports an open, respectful dialogue between management and staff. The result? A healthy balance of freedom and structure that allows employees to do their best work, while still feeling appreciated and empowered.

This type of work culture not only helps you feel heard but it also fosters trust — because when employees know they’re valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Research supports this: companies that value employee input and foster an inclusive culture see higher levels of engagement and satisfaction (Gallup, 2020). For me, this leadership style has made remote work a realistic, fulfilling option, and it’s a model I hope more companies adopt.

Covid: The Unlikely Game Changer

Let’s face it: the Covid-19 pandemic turned everything upside down, but for many of us, it gave us a rare gift: flexibility. The idea of flying from Norway to the USA for a simple meeting? Totally unnecessary now. Thanks to technology, we can connect with colleagues and clients across the globe from the comfort of our homes — no more packing bags, enduring long flights, or squeezing into conference rooms that smell like bad coffee. It’s all about efficiency now. And let’s not forget, this global shift has proven that work can be just as effective remotely, if not more so.

Conferences and Autonomy: A Game Changer

Remote work also gives me the freedom to plan my own conferences and exhibitions. I frequently attend events across various sectors, and one of the most liberating parts is that I have full autonomy over my schedule. There’s no rigid structure telling me when I can or cannot go. I plan my travel, manage my time, and do it all without the stress of rigid office schedules. This autonomy has made me more responsible and, ironically, more relaxed. Knowing that I’m in control of my day-to-day operations helps me focus on what really matters — getting things done while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Let’s Create the Future of Work — Our Way

Here’s the truth: we don’t need to mimic the outdated models of corporate culture from the past. We need to build new systems that celebrate individualism, creativity, and well-being. We need to recognize that everyone’s ideal work environment is different. What works for one person might not work for another — and that’s okay. The future of work is about choice. It’s about giving people the opportunity to perform at their best in an environment that respects their needs.

Forget about the old-school, “work hard, no excuses” mentality that’s been paraded by the likes of tech moguls who pride themselves on micromanaging employees. I’m looking at you, Elon Musk. Let’s just be honest here — this is the guy who thinks “free speech” means controlling who gets to speak on his platform and barely has it together in his own life. Why on Earth would we want to follow someone whose work culture runs on chaos and “my way or the highway” tactics? Newsflash: the future of work doesn’t need more Musk-like CEOs. What we need are leaders who get that autonomy, respect, and flexibility are the foundation of great work cultures.

Final Thoughts: Demand What Works for You

So here’s my advice: know yourself. Don’t force yourself into work environments that make you feel small or unproductive. Demand the flexibility you deserve. It’s not just about comfort — it’s about thriving in a space that brings out the best in you. Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or the ability to switch between environments, you deserve to have a work setup that empowers you to do your best work.

Here I am, thriving from my home-office today — where the only thing more comfortable than my chair is the freedom to work on my own terms!

Remember: the future of work isn’t about following some “one-size-fits-all” model. It’s about shaping a career path that aligns with who you are, how you work, and what you need to feel fulfilled. So take charge of your own success. The world is changing, and it’s time to stop apologizing for wanting work-life balance on your terms.

--

--

Mariana Eiane MD
Mariana Eiane MD

Written by Mariana Eiane MD

Mariana Tokvi Eiane is a doctor who researches the cultural and socio-economic differences affecting decision-making in global healthcare and beyond.

No responses yet