<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the experiences of employees in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector in maintaining work-life balance, identify the challenges encountered, and uncover the strategies employed to sustain equilibrium between professional and personal domains. A qualitative approach was utilized, with data collected through in-depth interviews involving participants employed in F&B SMEs. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify major themes through hierarchy chart and word cloud visualizations. The findings reveal that work-life balance is perceived as the capacity to manage time, fulfill multiple roles proportionally, and maintain familial relationships without neglecting occupational responsibilities. Although flexible work arrangements provide autonomy in organizing daily activities, participants continuously face challenges, including high job demands, pressure to meet customer expectations, and physical as well as emotional exhaustion. To mitigate these challenges, participants implement various strategies, such as developing more structured work schedules, enhancing operational efficiency, managing stress, and leveraging family support. Ultimately, the study indicates that successfully sustaining work-life balance relies not only on work flexibility but also on an individual's proficiency in time management, preserving psychological well-being, and sustainably reconciling job demands with personal life.]]>
