Embracing Work-Life Balance: A Journey from the U.S. to a European Company

In a world where the lines between work and personal life often blur, the quest for a healthier work-life balance has become paramount. Meghan Gezo, a 34-year-old from Michigan, shares her transformative journey from a demanding remote job in the U.S. to a more balanced role as a People Experience Manager at Storyblok, a fully remote content management company based in Austria. Her story highlights the stark differences in work culture between the U.S. and Europe, particularly in terms of work-life balance, parental support, and overall job satisfaction.

The Decision to Leave

In 2022, Meghan made the bold decision to leave her job in people operations. The challenge of juggling a demanding remote role while raising her one-year-old daughter became overwhelming. “I wanted to take a break while I looked for another opportunity that would allow me to have better work-life boundaries,” she explains. After several months of job hunting, she found a position at Storyblok, a company that promised a refreshing change in work culture.

Discovering European Work Culture

Having worked remotely in tech since 2016, Meghan was accustomed to the flexibility that remote jobs offered. However, her experience with a European company was a new frontier. “Living in the U.S., most jobs that pop up are U.S.-based,” she notes. The cultural shift was evident from the start. European companies, particularly in Austria, emphasize work-life balance, a stark contrast to the often relentless work culture in the U.S.

During her interview process, Meghan was impressed by the company’s commitment to work-life balance. “They talked about time off norms and mentioned that the standard workweek is 38.5 hours,” she recalls. This was a refreshing change from the U.S. norm of a 40-hour workweek, where many employees often find themselves working beyond their scheduled hours.

A New Perspective on Work-Life Balance

One of the most significant changes Meghan experienced was the shift in how work was perceived. In the U.S., work often becomes a core part of one’s identity. However, her European colleagues demonstrated that while they took pride in their work, it was just one aspect of their lives. “My European colleagues are extremely hard workers, but their job is one facet of their identity,” she explains.

This cultural shift allowed Meghan to focus on her role during work hours and then disconnect, a practice that was often elusive in her previous job. “I used to work, feed my daughter, put her to bed, and then work some more. It felt normal,” she reflects. Now, she finds it easier to log off and prioritize her family.

Professional Growth and Cultural Exchange

Working for a European company has also expanded Meghan’s professional horizons. She has gained invaluable experience collaborating with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and has had to familiarize herself with Austrian employment laws. “Learning about Austrian law has pushed me to expand my HR knowledge beyond U.S. employment law,” she states.

Moreover, the company culture at Storyblok emphasizes the importance of taking time off. “When people are on vacation, they’re on vacation,” Meghan observes. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. norm, where employees often feel compelled to check in during their time off. Although she hasn’t completely broken the habit of checking work messages while on vacation, she finds it more attainable to disconnect.

Support for Parents

One of the standout benefits of working for a European company is the robust support for parents. Meghan highlights the Austrian norm of “care leave,” which allows parents to take paid time off when their children are sick. “Having this bucket to pull from is a huge weight off my shoulders as a parent,” she shares.

Additionally, Meghan received 16 weeks of maternity leave at Storyblok, slightly more than her previous employers offered. The support she received during her maternity leave was also noteworthy. “At Storyblok, no one asked me work-related questions while I was away,” she recalls, contrasting it with her earlier experiences where she felt obligated to stay connected.

Navigating Challenges

Despite the many benefits, Meghan acknowledges some challenges in her new role. The time zone difference means she often starts her workday at 6:30 a.m. ET to overlap with her European colleagues. “There are days when I wish I could start later at 9 a.m.,” she admits. Additionally, the geographical distance can make it difficult to build relationships with colleagues, even though she has formed strong connections.

A New Standard

Reflecting on her journey, Meghan expresses a sense of gratitude for the opportunities she has found in her European role. “Having worked here for over two years, I feel spoiled by the benefits and perks of European working culture,” she says. The experience has reshaped her perspective on work and life, making it hard to envision returning to a U.S.-based company.

In a world where work-life balance is often a fleeting ideal, Meghan Gezo’s story serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking a healthier relationship with their careers. Her journey illustrates the profound impact that cultural differences can have on work satisfaction, parental support, and overall well-being. As more individuals seek out opportunities that prioritize balance, Meghan’s experience may inspire others to explore the possibilities beyond their borders.