Bernard Meyer lives with his wife and two daughters in Lithuania.
Bernard Meyer
Bernard Meyer moved to Lithuania from the U.S. just over a decade ago — and says he’s learned one key life lesson living in the country: how to have better work-life balance.
Lithuania, located in northeastern Europe, was named the world’s happiest country for young people in the 2024 World Happiness Report, and the 19th happiest country overall.
After growing up in Miami and going to college in Indiana, Meyer moved permanently to Lithuania’s capital city Vilnius in 2012 and still lives there with his wife and two daughters.
The 39-year-old, who’s a senior communications and creative director at marketing automation platform Omnisend, said he’s noticed a profound difference between work culture in the U.S. and Lithuania — where people enjoy a more "relaxed" and "slower pace of life."
"I think the work-life balance is something that is controllable within each person," Meyer told CNBC Make It in an interview.
"So at 5 or 6 p.m. when people turn off, they leave, and they go chill at the bar if they’re relatively young or even if they have kids, they take the kids and they walk around the city."
"There’s a sense of actually enjoying your life now while you’re still young, while you’re still capable, I think this is something that they [Americans] can learn just to appreciate," Meyer added.
‘Learn how to have … more of a life outside work’
Americans are known for being work-obsessed which can result in a culture of overwork and burnout. Comparatively, Lithuania ranked as the 11th best country for work-life balance in 2021, according to the OECD.
"Personally, I’m not against 25-year-olds or under 30s who are spending 12 hours a day at work, because it’s a period when you can do that. But once you get past that stage, you should learn how to have a bit more of a life outside work," Meyer said.
"If you have family, the most important thing is probably your family because you’re working at a place where in five to 10 years, when you’re gone, no one is going to care that you were even there, but your family does," he added.
Nature — and vacations — are important
One reason people in Vilnius enjoy switching off after work is the abundance of "green areas" in the city, Meyer noted, and also how walkable it is.
After work, "people are relaxed … they’re in the streets like the Old Town, and they’re just walking, or on the scooters, or just sitting at a cafe," he said.
"Here, they grew up in an environment where nature is important," he added. "They grew up appreciating nature so they have a city now that is very nature-focused. That means they have this cultural, essential desire to be with nature, and they find it here so that makes them happy."
Another key distinction he has noticed between Lithuania and the U.S. is how people feel about taking vacations.
"I remember when I was in the U.S., I never had a vacation and I never knew anyone who took vacation willingly," Meyer said.
However, he now discourages his team at Omnisend from working on the weekends or on vacations.
"One thing I tell them, which I think is very European, is that we don’t work in the emergency department in the hospital. There’s fires but there’s always fires, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your vacation," he said.
Bernard Meyer lives with his wife and two daughters in Lithuania.
Bernard Meyer
Bernard Meyer moved to Lithuania from the U.S. just over a decade ago — and says he’s learned one key life lesson living in the country: how to have better work-life balance.
Lithuania, located in northeastern Europe, was named the world’s happiest country for young people in the 2024 World Happiness Report, and the 19th happiest country overall.
After growing up in Miami and going to college in Indiana, Meyer moved permanently to Lithuania’s capital city Vilnius in 2012 and still lives there with his wife and two daughters.
The 39-year-old, who’s a senior communications and creative director at marketing automation platform Omnisend, said he’s noticed a profound difference between work culture in the U.S. and Lithuania — where people enjoy a more "relaxed" and "slower pace of life."
"I think the work-life balance is something that is controllable within each person," Meyer told CNBC Make It in an interview.
"So at 5 or 6 p.m. when people turn off, they leave, and they go chill at the bar if they’re relatively young or even if they have kids, they take the kids and they walk around the city."
"There’s a sense of actually enjoying your life now while you’re still young, while you’re still capable, I think this is something that they [Americans] can learn just to appreciate," Meyer added.
‘Learn how to have … more of a life outside work’
Americans are known for being work-obsessed which can result in a culture of overwork and burnout. Comparatively, Lithuania ranked as the 11th best country for work-life balance in 2021, according to the OECD.
"Personally, I’m not against 25-year-olds or under 30s who are spending 12 hours a day at work, because it’s a period when you can do that. But once you get past that stage, you should learn how to have a bit more of a life outside work," Meyer said.
"If you have family, the most important thing is probably your family because you’re working at a place where in five to 10 years, when you’re gone, no one is going to care that you were even there, but your family does," he added.
Nature — and vacations — are important
One reason people in Vilnius enjoy switching off after work is the abundance of "green areas" in the city, Meyer noted, and also how walkable it is.
After work, "people are relaxed … they’re in the streets like the Old Town, and they’re just walking, or on the scooters, or just sitting at a cafe," he said.
"Here, they grew up in an environment where nature is important," he added. "They grew up appreciating nature so they have a city now that is very nature-focused. That means they have this cultural, essential desire to be with nature, and they find it here so that makes them happy."
Another key distinction he has noticed between Lithuania and the U.S. is how people feel about taking vacations.
"I remember when I was in the U.S., I never had a vacation and I never knew anyone who took vacation willingly," Meyer said.
However, he now discourages his team at Omnisend from working on the weekends or on vacations.
"One thing I tell them, which I think is very European, is that we don’t work in the emergency department in the hospital. There’s fires but there’s always fires, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your vacation," he said.
An American expat living in Lithuania, Bernard Meyer has found a different way of life that emphasizes work-life balance and prioritizes personal time. He credits the cultural mindset and the city of Vilnius for promoting a more relaxed and enjoyable existence.
Key Takeaways:
- Lithuanian Work-Life Balance: Meyer highlights the stark contrast between the work cultures of the U.S. and Lithuania. While Americans are known for their work-obsessed culture, Lithuanians, according to Meyer, have a more relaxed and slower pace of life, emphasizing quality time outside of work.
- Importance of Family and Personal Life: Meyer stresses that career priorities should not overshadow the importance of family and personal life. He believes that post-work life is valuable and shouldn’t be sacrificed, especially as one ages and family responsibilities grow.
- Nature as a Lifeline: Vilnius is renowned for its numerous green areas and walkability. This emphasis on nature plays a crucial role in the city’s relaxed vibe, allowing people to easily unwind and enjoy their surroundings. Meyer suggests that this connection with nature contributes to the overall happiness and sense of wellbeing in Lithuanian society.
- Embrace Vacations: Taking breaks is ingrained in the Lithuanian culture, and the concept of working on vacations is discouraged. This contrasts with the American work ethic where vacations are often seen as a luxury or an inconvenience. Meyer encourages his team to prioritize personal time and avoid work during vacations, emphasizing that it’s good for their well-being.
A Deeper Dive into Lithuanian Work-Life Balance
**From Work-Obsessed to Relaxed Living**
Meyer’s firsthand experience sheds light on the stark differences in work culture between the U.S. and Lithuania. While the U.S. often fosters a culture of overwork and burnout, Lithuania seems to be promoting a more balanced approach. Meyer’s observations about the work-life balance in Lithuania provide valuable insights into the cultural differences that influence individual well-being and happiness. The contrast is evident in the way people view their work commitments and their leisure time.
**The Importance of Family and Personal Life**
Meyer’s statement that "the most important thing is probably your family" is a poignant reminder of the crucial role that family plays in our lives. His perspective challenges the notion of work as the be-all and end-all and emphasizes the need to prioritize personal relationships. This perspective resonates with the general trend of prioritizing well-being and personal fulfillment over career dedication.
**The Power of Nature**
The abundance of green areas in Vilnius plays a significant role in the city’s relaxed atmosphere. The walkable environment encourages people to engage with nature, fostering a sense of calmness and tranquility. Meyer’s observations suggest that a connection with nature serves as a vital element in promoting a positive and balanced lifestyle.
**Learning to Embrace Vacations**
The cultural acceptance of taking vacations in Lithuania stands in stark contrast to the American work ethic. Meyer’s encouragement for his team to prioritize their vacations reflects the European perspective of work-life balance. It’s clear that the concept of vacations is not merely about leisure but also about maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.
A New Model for Work-Life Balance?
Meyer’s experiences highlight the potential of a different approach to work-life balance. Lithuania’s cultural emphasis on family, nature, and personal time offers a compelling alternative to the often-intense work culture prevalent in the U.S. While this shift may require a change in mindset, it could ultimately lead to a greater sense of well-being and happiness.
Meyer’s story is a testament to the fact that happiness and fulfillment can be found beyond the confines of the traditional work-driven life. It encourages us to re-evaluate our priorities and consider the importance of personal time, nature, and family in creating a fulfilling and balanced life.
