9 Jobs for Better Work-Life Balance

Flexible hours. The ability to work from home. More paid time off. Free nights and weekends.

Ask anyone what a healthy work-life balance looks like to them, and you might hear various answers. Work-life balance can look slightly different for everyone. For example, while some people relish securing a job that allows for remote work, others find full-time remote work challenging. 

Work-life balance is increasingly becoming a top priority in India as attitudes towards mental health progress. A recent ITC survey reports that nine out of ten Indian workers who experience stress in the workplace would like better work-life balance policies in place [1]. Long working hours and high-pressure environments are among the primary reasons people in India want better work-life balance. 

In reality, work-life balance is not inherent in any job, occupation, or work style. Instead, work-life balance means something different for each of us and is as much the product of our efforts as the parameters of our jobs. Nonetheless, you’ll find some flexible jobs that could make achieving work-life balance easier than others. 

Explore jobs that offer the potential for good work-life balance through flexibility and detailed information about salaries, getting hired, and the unique opportunities these roles offer jobholders. 

Top industries for work-life balance

Maybe no “best” work-life balance job exists, but you’ll find some occupations and industries offering more flexibility. Some industries lend themselves well to remote work and a more adaptable schedule. The tech industry is famous for offering remote and flexible work, as generally, you can do this type of work alone with equipment in your home. Some of the top companies in India offering work-life balance are technology companies that offer work-from-home options or flexible hours. These include:

• Google India

• Microsoft India

• Cisco Systems India

• SAP India

• Infosys India

The Indian Government is also committed to improving work-life balance. Government jobs are popular because of their benefits, including job stability, medical benefits, and generous leave entitlement. 

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9 high-paying jobs for better work-life balance 

With workplace stress linked to mental health concerns throughout India, the importance of work-life balance is becoming more and more clear. While challenges to achieving work-life balance remain due to high-pressure industries, resistance to change amongst management, traditional work culture expectations, and a lack of understanding about mental health, many companies and specific jobs are still making headway. The following roles are excellent options for flexible or remote work, offering possibilities for better work-life balance. 

1. Data analyst

Average annual base salary: ₹7,48,032 [2]

Requirements: Earn a bachelor’s degree in statistics, maths, economics, computer science, or another relevant subject. 

Data analysts collect, clean, study, and model data to help organisations and businesses make informed decisions. In this position, your work can span many industries, often with opportunities to specialise in operations, finance, and marketing.

A data analyst position might appeal to you if you enjoy working with numbers and data and want the potential to work remotely. It is a data-heavy role involving computers.

2. Real estate agent 

Average annual base salary: ₹4,83,996 [3]

Requirements: A degree is unnecessary to become a real estate agent, but you may benefit from some sales training. Register to practice with the Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA). 

Real estate agents work with clients to buy, sell, and rent properties for residential and commercial purposes. In addition to conducting a significant portion of your working days outside of the office at properties, you can also benefit from setting your work schedules and earning commissions on sales. Commissions can provide a substantial increase from the base salary, with an average additional income of more than ₹2,07,996 per year, according to Glassdoor’s February 2025 data [3]. You may work for a real estate firm or branch out independently for maximum flexibility.

Becoming a real estate agent might appeal to you if you enjoy client-facing sales roles that allow you to exercise some control over your schedule. 

3. Financial analyst

Average annual base salary: ₹6,60,000 [4]

Requirements: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as accounting, business, statistics, or finance. 

A financial analyst is responsible for analysing and reporting on financial data, including investment data and evaluation of economic trends, supporting businesses to make data-driven decisions.

If you have data analysis or accounting skills and are an excellent communicator with high attention to detail, this might align with your interests. 

4. Web developer

Average annual base salary: ₹4,61,000 [5]

Requirements: To become a web developer, you must complete Class 12 in a technical stream offering computer education. Many, but not all, employers require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, information technology, or a related field.

Web developers build and maintain websites such as this one. Using various design and programming skills, you will ensure that sites function correctly for clients and visitors.

As a web developer, you can work freelance or in-house for a company offering flexible employment models. If you enjoy working with computers, becoming a web developer might allow you to work remotely with a flexible schedule.

5. Corporate recruiter

Average annual salary: ₹7,00,000 [6]

Requirements: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or marketing. 

Corporate recruiters handle hiring talent, including sourcing and screening C-level candidates, for companies and other organisations. Recruiters must be good at working with others, identifying client needs, and locating strong candidates for corporate positions.

Occasionally, as a corporate recruiter, you must travel for work to attend job fairs. As a result, becoming a corporate recruiter might appeal to individuals who enjoy travelling, working with people, and having the opportunity to conduct business outside of the office. 

6. Product manager

Average annual salary: ₹22,50,000 [7]

Requirements: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or a similar field and experience in a relevant industry. Some employers require a master’s degree. 

Product managers work with clients and a technical team to produce products that meet clients' needs. This in-demand role involves taking a product from idea to conception. As a product manager, you can work remotely.

7. Social media manager

Average annual salary: ₹3,69,996 [8]

Requirements: While you don’t need a specific credential to become a social media manager, employers might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing, public relations, business, or communications.

Social media managers handle all aspects of a company, organisation, or individual's social media presence. As a result, your responsibilities include ensuring clients stay on-brand and on-message when posting material and responding to commenters.

You could also start building skills through a Professional Certificate or online course as either an alternative or a supplement to a degree. 

If you enjoy marketing and using social media, consider a career as a social media manager. This job can be done remotely—occasionally even from your phone. 

8. Management Consultant

Average annual salary: ₹29,00,000 [9]

Requirements: You must have a degree in business management, economics, finance, or a similar field of study. 

Management consultants work with businesses to improve their processes and strategies to increase revenue. As a management consultant, you can work for a consultancy firm, as an in-house consultant, or in a freelance capacity where you can promote your brand, set your hours, and choose your clients. 

9. Copywriter

Average annual salary: ₹5,50,000 [10]

Requirements: Unless you work for a company that specifies them, you don't need formal academic qualifications to become a copywriter. However, experience and a portfolio are essential. 

Copywriters write content for blogs, social media, advertisements, and other marketing material. You may write for a specific industry, such as finance or education, or for a broader range of clients. 

In this role, you may work as part of a company’s marketing team, but copywriters often work freelance, picking up clients or ‘gigs.’ The job of a freelance copywriter allows you to create your own schedule and prioritise your work-life balance. 

Strive for a better work-life balance and build relevant skills on Coursera 

Build the skills companies hire for in remote-friendly industries like product management, social media management, and data analysis. First, consider earning a Professional Certificate from industry leaders to hone your skills and validate your expertise. For example, you could enter data analysis positions after completing the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, where you can learn more about cleaning, organising, and visualising data using industry best practices. You might also be interested in the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. You’ll find these options and other helpful programmes on Coursera.