Are We Balanced?

Today is 06/06/06. Let me write something to make a mark on this day.
Ever since I started working, I have seen loads of people who sink into work that they forget what their family means to them. The number of hours they spend after work hours trying to complete more work just leads to reduction in time spent with family. Why does one work? To earn and lead a comfortable life!! With whom? With loved ones!! But what's the use of earning so much when one cannot be at home, talk about routine life, spend time with family? What is the point in slogging so hard at work when all you do the whole day is wake up, rush to work and return late in the night only to hit the bed and wake up the next morning and rush to work again?
We need to stop in our tracks and look at the world around. Let us take a look at people who need us, who are with us. Let us realize that each day brings with it, lovely moments to cherish and opportunities to grow. One must maintain a work-life balance.
I certainly do not agree when people say that one must stretch and work for longer hours during the early years of one's career in order to lead a good life later on. Who knows how long one is going to live? Rather, I believe that a lot of learning should take place during the early years to be a thorough professional later on. For this, one need not stretch at work. Passion to learn and enthusiasm to exhibit this would do. Not stretching at work does not mean shirking work. unfortunately, that's what people think!
I wish people resolve and realize that the quality of life lies in quality time spent with people whom you love, doing what you love, creating small, constructive differences rather than slogging and accumulating a huge bank balance!