[MalcolmDiggs]

Academic institutions (and non-profits) don't necessarily function the same way as corporations. You can expect managers in a for-profit organization to try and squeeze every ounce of productivity out of you. That's their job, really. They'd be doing a disservice to shareholders/stakeholders if they didn't try to get you to put 100% of your time and energy into the company.

So if you want breaks, you just have to take them. If you want to work 6 hours instead of 8,10,12, (or take part of your day to continue your education), you're going to have to "just do it". But no, I wouldn't expect anyone who is responsible for your output to give you 'permission' to work fewer hours, or work less intensely. They will always ask for more, and you've just got to learn how to push back.

In other words: You've got to learn how to be just as strong as an advocate for your own well-being as they are for the company's. Once you learn these skills, it's quite possible to have a good work/life balance, and to make time for the things you find important.