Journalism is a career path notorious for long hours and horrendous work-life balance. Who hasn’t been up until 1am sweating over a final proof? That’s the type of “rise and grind” culture we are trying to get away from here, so recently BK Magazine teamed up with Heineken to support its “Afterwork By Heineken” campaign—to help people’s quest for better work-life balance and celebrate the quality socializing moments we have outside of working hours. You know, the things we actually work for. 

They hooked up our office with a massive Afterwork Fridge by Heineken to reflect the concept of socializing after work, and encourage everyone to relax and actually live their afterwork lives to the fullest. The campaign is meant to spread the idea of afterwork culture and remind all of us (especially us journalists) to switch off and hang out once the day is done. 

In the spirit of the campaign, we asked some of the staff at BK Magazine and Coconuts to tell us how they take a load off after work and maintain a healthy sense of work-life balance. 

Grab a beer and try something new

Dietrich Neu | Managing Director 

“Recently, playing pickleball has been a fun work escape. I never thought I would be into it, but some friends asked me to play and I’ve been hooked since. It’s a strange middle ground between tennis and ping pong—just enough physical activity to get a workout but not so much that you can’t sneak a beer in between matches. It also forces me to leave my phone in a locker where I can’t get it easily, and that alone does wonders to get my mind off work. Having a beer (or four) with friends is also on the menu regularly.” 

Mix going out with alone time

Sirinart Panyasricharoen | Senior Project Manager 

“I make sure to completely shut down “work mode” once the day is over—and try not to read chats or emails over the weekend—and read, watch Netflix, listen to music (and sleep!). I make sure to spend some time alone as well and keep my mind on the bright side if the week has been stressful. On weekends I love to get my mind off work by hanging out with friends, going to music festivals and parties, and visiting trendy cafes.”

Work hard, play hard

Manita Satra | Thailand HR and Finance Officer

“I am a person who loves the concept “work hard, play hard.” I keep a pretty active workout routine. My friends often ask me how I’m not too exhausted to exercise after work, but for me working out helps me relieve stress and build energy for the next day. In my opinion the key to work-life balance is making sure you spend your free time doing something you like—gym, sports, delicious food, drinking some beer, watching a good series. ” 

Give yourself little rewards

Nuttajuk Kittichailuk | Senior Digital Account Manager

“I love to kick back in my favorite recliner chair (yes, like an old person), grab a refreshing drink, and veg out to anything interesting on the screen. At least once a week, even if I am not going out to socialize, I sometimes like to go somewhere crowded and lively to absorb the energy! As I get older, a big part of maintaining work life balance for me is spending money on things that save me time (ordering food instead of making it, paying for transportation instead of walking, etc.). I like to give myself little rewards.” 

Make sure to relax 

Pakvipa Rimdusit | Associate Thai Editor

“After a rough work day or work week, I usually like to just stay in and do as little as possible—maybe a light workout (yoga or jogging) or tidy up a bit. I prefer to do my work during working hours instead of procrastinating during the day and having to work during my free time. If it’s been a long week I will go out less, but always make sure I make time to relax and take my mind off things.” 

#HeinekenTH #AfterworkByHeineken #WorkResponsibly