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Sarah Jessica Parker Honored, Reflects on Evolving Work-Life Balance
New York, NY – In a moment that sparkled brighter than a pair of Manolos, Sarah Jessica Parker, the beloved star whose career has spanned five decades, was honored with the 2026 Carol Burnett Award last night. The “Sex and the City” icon, who began acting at the tender age of eight, has graced stages and screens in memorable roles, from Broadway’s “Annie” to the sitcom “Square Pegs” and films like “Footloose” and “Firstborn.”
Her husband, Matthew Broderick, best known for his iconic role as Ferris Bueller, presented Parker with the prestigious award. He playfully recalled questioning her decision to take on the role of Carrie Bradshaw, asking, “Do you really want to do TV?”
That question, of course, led to Parker securing six Golden Globes and two Emmys for her portrayal of the fashion-forward New Yorker. (The power couple reportedly shares a combined net worth of $200 million).
Now, with a career many actors only dream of, Parker is redefining what work-life balance truly means to her.
Parker’s New Definition of Work-Life Balance
In a recent interview, Parker, now 60, shared that she’s “making choices differently than [she] used to,” prioritizing roles that allow her ample time for life beyond the set. Having successfully juggled acting with ventures in fashion, publishing, and wine, Parker views her ability to select slower-paced or more flexible jobs as a privilege she deeply appreciates.
“As a journeyman, you’re trying to find work [where] you keep learning, you get better,” Parker explained. “Maybe you get to travel. Hopefully you get paid, and you get to work with really interesting people… but now… I’m much more thoughtful in smaller ways about how I’ll be spending my time.”
However, Parker was quick to add a note of caution regarding the concept of work-life balance, acknowledging that many individuals in our society manage multiple jobs without the luxury of reliable childcare or healthcare.
“The thing that surprises me most is all the women and men and parents who are holding down two and three jobs in our city, across our country, who don’t have the kind of support I have, who are really just managing every single day,” she stated.
A Strong Support System: The Key to Balance
Parker attributes her remarkable success not to a “solo superwoman” effort, but to a robust network of support, including family, childcare, and professional assistance. She emphasized that her demanding schedule is made possible by the individuals who step in when she’s on set, reviewing Booker Prize submissions, managing her wine label, overseeing her production company Pretty Matches, or contributing to the States Project, an advocacy group focused on advancing Democratic state-level candidates and issues.
“I know how I get to [do so many things], because I have the kind of support I need,” Parker affirmed.
Parker’s experience aligns with the observations of other highly successful individuals: what appears to be “balance” at the highest levels often relies on extensive support both at home and in the workplace, from spouses who take on more caregiving responsibilities to employees who can manage business operations during their absence. Research from Harvard Business School on CEOs’ schedules reveals that leaders frequently work 60-hour weeks but sustain their performance through significant delegation and by safeguarding time for sleep, exercise, and family.
Leaders Weigh in on Work-Life Balance
While some leaders embrace the idea of work-life balance, others argue it’s an unattainable goal for those striving for success. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, for example, views work and life as a “circle” rather than a scale.
“I don’t love the word ‘balance’ because it implies a tradeoff,” Bezos remarked at Italian Tech Week. “I’ve often had people ask me, ‘How do you deal with work-life balance?’
And I’ll say, ‘I like work-life harmony because if you’re happy at home, you’ll be better at work. If you’re better at work, you’ll be better at home.’
These things go together. It’s not a strict tradeoff.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has similarly described the line between home and office as more about achieving “harmony,” while Nespresso UK CEO Anna Lundstrom advocates for “work-life fluidity,” believing that separating the two is impractical in an executive leadership role.
Some take this concept even further, contending that “work-balance” is nonexistent when building something at scale – a sentiment echoed by Zoom CEO Eric Yuan.
“I tell our team, ‘Guys, you know, there’s no way to balance. Work is life, life is work,’” Yuan shared in a recent podcast interview.
Prominent women executives have also been candid about the trade-offs inherent in work and life. Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has long maintained that “having it all” is a myth, urging employers and policymakers to develop better childcare and family benefits rather than simply expecting individual women to work harder.
“To integrate work and family is going to be a challenge,” Nooyi stated at the 2019 Fortune Most Powerful Women Conference.