Work-life balance as early career respiratory experts and ERS representatives: personal experiences, reflections and potential solutions for improvement.

Abstract

Work-life balance is a real challenge for early career respiratory professionals striving to manage clinical responsibilities, research, teaching and professional commitments. In this collective reflection by members of the European Respiratory Society Early Career Member Committee, we openly explore our own experiences, struggles and lessons learned in the pursuit of balance. While some of us feel we have found a rhythm that works, many are still navigating fluctuating demands, blurred boundaries and long hours that spill into evenings, weekends and even holidays. Parenthood, changing roles and growing responsibilities have reshaped our priorities and tested our limits. Still, we remain deeply passionate about our work. Through honest discussion, we share personal strategies such as setting boundaries, using time-management tools and leaning on support networks, and highlight the emotional toll when the balance is lost. We also recognise that systemic change is needed: fairer compensation, cultural shifts around overwork, and structural support for young professionals. This article is both a reflection and a call to action: to take care of ourselves, to support one another and to shape a professional culture where wellbeing is valued as much as productivity. We hope our shared experiences resonate and offer encouragement to other early career respiratory professionals.