Shalom Lamm on the Real Cost of the Grind: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth for Entrepreneurs
There’s a well-polished narrative in today’s business world that tells entrepreneurs they can “have it all”—a thriving business, fulfilling personal life, and a calendar neatly divided into work, rest, and play. But Shalom Lamm, a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of leadership under his belt, has a different perspective:
“Work-life balance is a beautiful concept. But for most entrepreneurs—especially in the beginning—it’s a fantasy,” says Lamm. “You’re not balancing. You’re surviving, building, and sacrificing. That’s the hard truth no one tells you.”
In this blog post, we explore why the idea of work-life balance often doesn’t apply to the entrepreneurial journey, what Shalom Lamm has learned from building businesses at personal cost, and how founders can find a more realistic, sustainable rhythm.
The Lie of Balance
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: entrepreneurship is not a 9-to-5 job. It’s a lifestyle, a mental load, and—at times—an obsession. Founders often wear multiple hats: strategist, salesperson, marketer, product developer, customer service rep… and sometimes janitor.
In his early years building his first venture, Shalom Lamm recalls 16-hour days as the norm, not the exception. “I was answering emails at midnight, solving client issues on weekends, and missing more family dinners than I’d like to admit,” he says. “But it wasn’t optional. The business needed that level of commitment to survive.”
Lamm’s story is far from unique. Most entrepreneurs will agree: in the early stages, the idea of balance often feels laughable.
The Hidden Costs of the Hustle
While the all-in approach can drive rapid growth, it comes with a cost—one that’s often paid in silence. Mental exhaustion, strained relationships, neglected health, and the constant feeling of falling short in one area or another are all too common.
Shalom Lamm shares candidly about these sacrifices. “There were birthdays I missed. Vacations I canceled. There was a stretch of time where I didn’t see my kids awake for days. Looking back, I wish someone had told me that yes, hard work is essential—but so is sustainability.”
Burnout, he says, doesn’t come with warning lights. It creeps in quietly—often disguised as commitment.
The Real Equation: Integration Over Balance
Instead of chasing a perfect balance, Lamm advocates for integration—blending life and work in a way that acknowledges the fluid, messy reality of entrepreneurship.
“Some weeks, your business needs 90% of you. Other weeks, your family does. The key is being intentional with where your energy goes, and forgiving yourself for the imbalance,” he explains.
He’s since learned to:
- Block time for family the same way he schedules meetings
- Take real breaks, even if short, to reset
- Set boundaries with clients and partners
- Delegate sooner rather than later
- Recognize that rest is a form of productivity
These habits didn’t come overnight—but they came after hitting emotional walls that forced a reset.
Other Hard Truths of Entrepreneurship
Shalom Lamm also warns that “work-life balance” isn’t the only comforting myth founders cling to. Here are a few other truths he’s learned the hard way:
- Success doesn’t fix everything. More revenue often means more pressure.
- You will outgrow some people. Not everyone is meant to stay for the whole ride.
- You won’t always be motivated. Discipline matters more than inspiration.
- You have to protect your peace. Not every opportunity is worth your attention.
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Ultimately, Lamm believes that entrepreneurship is less about finding balance and more about defining your own version of success.
“For some, success means scaling to $100M. For others, it means being able to coach their kid’s soccer team. The danger is chasing someone else’s dream and burning out along the way.”
He urges new entrepreneurs to ask themselves regularly: What matters most to me—and am I living in alignment with that, even if imperfectly?
Final Thoughts
The promise of work-life balance sounds great on paper. But as Shalom Lamm knows from decades of hard-won experience, entrepreneurship demands sacrifices. The key is not to chase balance, but to stay conscious of the trade-offs—and adjust before burnout becomes your baseline.
So if you’re building something from scratch and feel like you’re dropping the ball in every area of life, take a breath. You’re not failing. You’re simply doing the hard work of creating something real.
Just don’t forget: your life is just as real—and just as important—as your work.
