And of course, like anything, it comes down to defining what we really mean.
What exactly is a "terrible work/life balance?"
What is an acceptable work/life balance?
I feel like us, as Americans have a terrible work vs life balance. There is a reason we are more stressed, and less healthy than a lot of other nations and this is a big reason.
We work way too many hours, and take way to few vacations. It causes us to sleep less, eat more unhealthy food for the sake of cost and convenience. We live paycheck to paycheck, so it feels like we can never stop.
This is the broad stroke and most people fit into this, not all people. There are people that balance long hours with a good diet and plenty of rest, there are people that don't live paycheck to paycheck, there are people that take lots of vacations. My point is we should make it easier so more people can do it, not just the rich, or extremely well disciplined.
People shouldn't have to choose between being a good parent, having hobbies, getting rest and exercise, and a career. We should be able to do most or all of it. I also believe if more people weren't so stressed and worried about money, and parenting, and sleeping and being healthy that we would be a lot better off as country and species.