Rethinking Success to Reduce Work-Life Tensions.
Jeff Cain1, Krisy-Ann Thornby2
1University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Faculty in pharmacy education can achieve better work-life balance by redefining success holistically. Focusing on life satisfaction across all domains, rather than just career achievements, promotes sustained fulfillment and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Faculty in pharmacy education face challenges balancing professional success with psychological well-being.
- The pursuit of traditional success metrics often creates tension between personal and professional life.
- A bifurcated view of success prioritizes productivity over overall well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a holistic definition of success centered on life satisfaction for pharmacy faculty.
- To explore how a reframed definition of success can mitigate work-life tension.
- To encourage faculty to integrate well-being across multiple life domains for sustained fulfillment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of behavioral science evidence.
- Analysis of psychological theories influencing work-life decisions (e.g., paradox of limitation, arrival fallacy, social comparison theory).
- Conceptual framework advocating for a holistic view of success.
Main Results:
- Life and work engagement are mutually reinforcing when success is viewed holistically.
- Adopting a life satisfaction mindset can guide decisions aligned with personal values.
- Recognizing psychological biases can help faculty make better work-life choices.
Conclusions:
- A holistic definition of success, prioritizing life satisfaction, can reduce work-life tension for pharmacy faculty.
- Integrating well-being across career, relationships, health, leisure, and personal growth fosters sustained fulfillment.
- Faculty can proactively craft careers that support meaningful and holistic lives.
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