The case for forgoing balance

Deferred gratification is common. Traditional thinking is that workers who put in long hours early in their careers and ascend the corporate ladder will find it easing up when they've reached financial security or a certain level of seniority.

Galloway believes that "your professional trajectory is disproportionately, and unfairly, set by the early years of your career." If you want balance later in life, you shouldn't be seeking it in your twenties. Instead, look for opportunities to break through the competition, accelerate your job prospects and eventually reach grander career heights.