Did Ed Sheeran Really Struggle with Happiness in His Early Career?

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Did Ed Sheeran Really Struggle with Happiness in His Early Career?

Synopsis

In a candid revelation, Ed Sheeran shares his struggles with happiness during the early years of his career. Discover how the Grammy winner found a new balance between his personal life and professional success, prioritizing family over fame.

Key Takeaways

  • Ed Sheeran struggled with his personal happiness due to work-centric lifestyle.
  • He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.
  • Family now takes priority, shifting his focus from 100% work to 70% family.
  • Sheeran’s experience serves as a reminder for artists about the cost of fame.
  • Finding happiness and fulfillment is essential for overall well-being.

Los Angeles, Sep 18 (NationPress) Grammy-winning artist Ed Sheeran has revealed that during the initial decade of his career, he felt profoundly unhappy due to a lack of balance in his life, prioritizing his music above his personal joy.

"In the first decade of my career, I was deeply unhappy because I had no balance; it was all about work, work, work. Everything was hyper-successful, but that success came at the cost of my personal life," Sheeran stated in an interview with The Sun newspaper.

He continued, "Work consumed my existence. Now, finding a balance through marriage, family, and spending time with friends has shifted my priorities significantly. Seventy percent of my life is now about family and friends, while work occupies thirty percent. Previously, it was a complete 100 percent dedicated to work and nothing else."

Sheeran emphasized, "The real measure of success for me is achieving a balance between being a human being and not just a pop star machine."

With his daughters, Lyra, five, and Jupiter, three, with wife Cherry Seaborn, Sheeran now prioritizes family over career ambitions, as reported by femalefirst.co.uk.

"At this stage in my career, I feel genuinely happy and settled. I am content with who I am as an artist, the music I create, and the shows I perform. Balancing my roles as a dad and husband while excelling in both is what matters most to me," he shared.

The ‘Perfect’ hitmaker discussed the intense work ethic of his younger years but now seeks to relish his success alongside his family life.

"Achieving such success in my 20s required giving my all every day, but there's a limit to that, especially regarding sanity. I recognize this now, especially when I see new artists deeply entrenched in their work; I realize that’s not me anymore," Sheeran expressed.

"You have to put in those long hours at some point, but eventually, stepping back is crucial—especially with children involved," he concluded.

Point of View

I find Ed Sheeran's reflections poignant and relatable, especially for those navigating the high-pressure world of fame. His journey emphasizes the importance of finding balance in life, reminding us that personal happiness can greatly impact our overall well-being. Sheeran's story resonates with many who may prioritize their careers at the expense of personal joy.
NationPress
20/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Ed Sheeran say about his early career?
Ed Sheeran revealed that he was intensely unhappy during the first decade of his career due to a lack of balance, prioritizing work over personal happiness.
How has Ed Sheeran's perspective on work-life balance changed?
Sheeran now prioritizes family and friends, stating that 70% of his life is dedicated to them, whereas work only occupies 30%.
What does Ed Sheeran consider a measure of success?
He views the ability to exist as a human being and maintain a balance between personal life and career as his true measure of success.