#WorkLifeBalance

A growing body of psychological research is challenging the age-old idea that wealth directly equates to happiness, instead pointing to the profound benefits of prioritizing free time over financial gain. In a recent multi-study analysis published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and highlighted in a new report, researchers found that people who actively value their free time are significantly happier than those who prioritize money—even after controlling for various demographic factors. This insight holds particular resonance for Thai readers navigating a society deeply shaped by long working hours and rapidly changing notions of success (yourtango.com).

A growing wave of research, echoed in a recent VegOut Magazine article, challenges our cultural obsession with living an “interesting” life. While social media and workplace dynamics pressure individuals to continually impress others with enviable experiences and dramatic career milestones, evidence suggests that true satisfaction may come from lives that—on the surface—seem profoundly ordinary.

As the article highlights, anxiety about “falling behind” has reached epidemic levels. This pressure manifests in increasingly common behaviors, such as job-hopping among young professionals not out of dissatisfaction, but to avoid being seen as unambitious. Many people choose vacation destinations with Instagram in mind, and the question “What do you do?” has become a social test, rewarding only those who can elicit admiration.

A Swiss expatriate’s account of moving to Koh Samui, Thailand, and feeling relief from the burdens of “Instagram motherhood” has captured international attention. In her recent interview, the mother described how parenting became less stressful in Thailand, contrasting a relaxed everyday life with the pressures of maintaining a picture-perfect image commonly expected of Western mothers on social media platforms. “If she’s 10 minutes late dropping her daughter off, it’s not a problem. As a mom in Thailand, she doesn’t get stressed,” the article summarized, emphasizing a powerful cultural difference between Thailand and Switzerland or other Western countries (Business Insider via MSN).

A new workplace movement dubbed “loud living” is gaining momentum among professionals disillusioned by the exhaustion of hustle culture, marking a shift from quietly disengaging at work to boldly asserting personal and professional boundaries. As seen in recent personal accounts and workplace research, “loud living” encourages not silent withdrawal but open, unapologetic communication about one’s needs, transforming conversations around work-life balance and employee well-being Business Insider.

In the aftermath of global disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred. For Thai employees—often navigating long hours, hierarchical expectations, and multicultural contexts—the question of how to thrive in demanding workplaces has never been more urgent. The rise of “loud living” offers an alternative: instead of quietly quitting—doing the bare minimum to avoid burnout—workers are modeling clear, communicative self-advocacy, challenging old norms without sacrificing productivity Forbes, Psychology Today.

In a world dominated by round-the-clock digital connectivity and polished self-care routines, many Thais may find their energy mysteriously evaporating before the day is through. Fresh research, distilled by a prominent psychologist and summarized in a widely read Forbes article, reveals that it isn’t only overt stress and long hours that lead to exhaustion, but rather a collection of subtle, everyday behaviors that most people pass off as harmless. Understanding and addressing these quiet saboteurs could prove vital for many in Thailand’s rapidly urbanizing, tech-saturated society, where exhaustion is often worn as a badge of honour and productivity is prized above all else (Forbes).

Millennial parents are facing parenting pressures and challenges more complex—if not downright unimaginable—than those experienced by earlier generations, according to new research and real-life accounts. From the insistence of “always-on” work culture to soaring living costs, a childhood defined by digital immersion, and a barrage of social expectations, the millennial parenting experience is rewriting what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The implications are profound—not just for families, but also for schools, community institutions, and Thai society navigating rapidly shifting social norms.

A wave of recent research and media coverage is bringing renewed attention to the phenomenon of “golden handcuffs”—a workplace dynamic in which lucrative compensation, incentives, or benefits keep employees tied to jobs they might otherwise leave. As changing economic conditions ripple through high-earning sectors such as technology and finance, understanding the psychology and impact of golden handcuffs has become critical, both globally and in Thailand, where local professionals increasingly compete in knowledge-based, high-reward industries.

In an age when every slot on our calendars seems to be filled—and often double-booked—many people feel overwhelmed by their own schedules, constantly regretting the commitments they’ve made. New psychological research is pointing to four “hidden drivers” that push us into cycles of compulsive busyness, as well as offering four concrete ways to break free from the trap of over-commitment (“Why We Overbook Ourselves—and Constantly Regret It,” published in Psychology Today on May 16, 2025) (Psychology Today).

Amid years of mounting stress and burnout in the legal profession, new data from the 2025 ALM Mental Health Survey offers a cautiously optimistic outlook: mental health among lawyers is measurably improving for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, even as serious workplace pressures persist and, in some cases, intensify. This shifting landscape holds valuable lessons for Thai legal professionals and underscores the universal challenge of workplace mental health in a high-pressure field.

A recently published article in The Atlantic has put a spotlight on what social scientists, educators, and families around the world are increasingly calling the “default parent” problem—a persistent societal bias where mothers are treated as the primary caregiver by default, regardless of the actual family arrangement or parental wishes. Grounded in new research and illustrated by repeated real-life stories, this phenomenon persists in households, schools, clinics, and even airline cabins, with broad implications for work-life balance, gender equality, and family well-being.

The notion that fathers “babysit” when caring for their own children has come under renewed scrutiny, as new research highlights the detrimental effects of gendered parenting roles on both caregivers and their children. A recent article by Dr. Kate Balestrieri stresses that calling a father’s involvement “babysitting” is not merely an innocent slip of the tongue, but a reflection of deep-seated inequities in emotional and domestic responsibilities within households. This issue resonates widely, with significant implications for Thai society as evolving gender norms intersect with longstanding cultural expectations.

A flurry of new scientific findings has revealed that the stress of working long hours doesn’t just leave people feeling exhausted—it may actually alter the structure of the human brain. According to a major study led by researchers from South Korea and published in May 2025, individuals clocking more than 52 hours a week exhibited significant physical changes in brain regions tied to memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, sparking fresh concerns about the risks of overwork worldwide—including in Thailand’s increasingly demanding labor market (The Times; CNN; Newsweek).

A new wave of research and personal testimony is drawing urgent attention to “high-functioning depression” — a form of depressive illness where sufferers maintain outward productivity while battling hidden internal distress. Unlike classic depression, which is often marked by withdrawal or inability to function, high-functioning depression stays masked beneath impressive academic, professional, or social achievement. The latest findings and expert recommendations, popularized in new media and books, reveal both the signs to watch for and actionable steps to escape this insidious cycle. This emerging understanding is vital for Thai society, where high performance and social harmony are deeply valued, increasing the risk that invisible suffering goes undetected.

A recent viral video has reignited a global discussion about the generational double standards around family-building, as one woman called out baby boomer parents for pressuring their children to have kids—only to withhold meaningful support once the grandchildren arrived. The conversation, which originated from a candid social media confession, has led to broader debate in Thailand, where societal expectations around marriage, parenthood, and intergenerational care remain deeply rooted.

The woman’s video, reported by Upworthy, struck a chord with viewers by highlighting the gap between the persistent urging of older parents for their children to “settle down and have a family,” and the reality that, once grandchildren arrive, practical help—from babysitting to emotional support—can be limited or conditional. The case mirrors experiences shared by many Millennial and Gen Z adults globally, including those in Thai society, who feel squeezed by traditional expectations without adequate communal or familial backing (Upworthy).

In a groundbreaking push for gender equality and better parental support, British fathers are being urged to join the world’s first “Dad strike”, amplifying demands for more generous paternity leave in the United Kingdom, where statutory provisions remain among the lowest in Europe. The movement is set to culminate in a public protest with fathers and their babies outside the Department for Business and Trade in London on June 11, aiming to pressure the government into reforming policies for dads and non-birthing partners. The campaign reflects growing international attention to the critical role of fathers in early childhood and the wider debate about work-life balance amid changing social norms.

As the pace of modern life intensifies, new research on stress management is gaining urgent attention among experts in Thailand and around the globe. Recent studies, as highlighted by leading organizations and academic journals, have revealed rapidly rising stress levels not only in the workplace but throughout society, affecting daily well-being and long-term health outcomes. For Thai readers living amidst rapid economic change, social media pressures, and persistent work-life challenges, understanding the latest findings on stress and practical management techniques is crucial for protecting both mental and physical health.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally redefined family life across the globe, with Thailand seeing its own transformation as fathers take on more active roles in childcare and family routines. Recent reports, including an op-ed from The New York Times, highlight a growing trend: dads are spending more time with their children since the pandemic, and this pattern appears to be holding steady post-pandemic (nytimes.com). This shift has significance not only for families but for the broader social fabric, raising questions about the future of parenting roles in Thailand and beyond.

A growing body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom that couples should wait until their careers and finances are fully secure before starting a family. According to a recent perspective published by Deseret News, parents who have children in their twenties can enjoy strong professional success, improved well-being, and meaningful family connections—with early parenthood offering a range of surprising advantages. The article, backed by studies and expert opinions, urges Thai families and policymakers to revisit their assumptions about the “right” time to start a family and consider the mounting evidence in favor of earlier parenthood.

A new wave of research and social commentary is shining a critical light on the true cost of “doing it all” as a parent — and the findings are deeply relevant for families across Thailand. The latest Psychology Today article, “Running on Empty: The True Cost of Doing It All” by Drs. Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman, argues that today’s culture of “good parenting” glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents depleted, relationships strained, and personal well-being on the line (source). At a time when both global and Thai parents are expected to juggle relentless schedules, this new perspective asks: Are we sacrificing too much at the altar of good parenting, and what can we do differently for the health of both families and children?

A growing body of international research shows that grandparents are shouldering unprecedented levels of childcare—transforming not only family relationships but also the way societies must support both the elderly and the youngest generations. Recent reports, including one from The Atlantic published in April 2025, highlight “an age of peak grandparenting,” with nearly 60% of American grandmothers providing childcare for grandchildren, and more than 40% seeing a grandchild weekly. Experts warn that the consequences of this shift are profound, shaping retirement, family bonds, and child development not just in the West but across Asia—including Thailand, where traditional family structures and rapid societal changes intersect in unique ways.

Depression isn’t always cloaked in tears, lethargy, and withdrawal. Increasing research and expert voices reveal that many silently suffer while appearing energetic, high-achieving, and outwardly successful—a phenomenon now widely called “high-functioning depression”. Recent insights from psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, as highlighted in a widely-shared Mindbodygreen article, have sparked new conversations about how this overlooked mental health challenge is affecting high-achievers globally, including in Thailand, where stoicism and productivity are highly valued traits.

Managing stress related to busy schedules has become an ever-present concern in our fast-paced lives. A recent article by Jancee Dunn in The New York Times explores practical ways to alleviate time anxiety—a common struggle impacting many, as confirmed by a Pew Research Center survey indicating that 60% of people feel overwhelmed by their schedules at times. The insights shared in the piece, combined with expert advice, offer a pathway for individuals to regain control over their time and reduce stress.