How often do you stop and reflect on your life? Often we only tend to do this when things don’t feel ‘right’. This is so true of achieving what is called a work/life balance. (I don’t really like that phrase.) I guess the real question is do you feel OK about how things are?
There is no right or wrong answer for what is a perfect balance, by the way. You get to decide.
People may tell you you work too much, especially if they want you to do something else, but you may be doing just what works for you. Does your life feel balanced? What does ‘being balanced’ mean to you? It will change at various points in your life. Sometimes it’s fine to be work, work, work if that’s a conscious choice. Whatever your friends and family say.
Sometimes it’s not.
Work/Life Balance When Work Is Your Life
A quick internet search will bring you up thousands of posts on work/life balance. I’ve always thought that was always a misnomer. The underlying assumption is that work is something to be kept in check, the enemy of a well balanced life. That’s not true. At times in my life my work has been a life saver. I’ve coached women for whom their professional role is the most important thing for them at that stage of their life.
Work is part of life and at times a very important part of life, especially when you’re trying to establish your career. It pays the bills, it can give you friendships, stimulation, education, power and influence. All of these things contribute to your well being and are important.
Try Having a Work/Leisure Balance Instead
You know that taking some time out of work gives you a much better perspective on your professional role. Professional women do tend to use their leisure time reading and focusing on their specialist subject. If you have a career rather than a job this is normal. And it’s fine, unless it’s leaving you bereft of all the other joys in life. Only you know the answer to that.
Jot down the areas of life that are important to you. Your list will unique to you but it might include the following:
- family
- work
- friends
- partner
- hobbies
- spiritual life
- own development
- contributing to your community
And so on. Once you have your list, give each a rating of its importance or significance to you. 1= least important 10 = most important. This will be different at differing stages of your life so this exercise bears repetition from time to time, probably more often than you think.
Now, give each item a rating according to how it feels in terms of work/leisure balance. For example, is work taking a major part of your life at the moment? If so, you might rate it ten. However, it might also be providing lots of other things in your list. Does that rating accord with the importance it has in your life right now? If so, great, the balance is right. If not, maybe you need to think about some new things to add to your life.
P.S. Why having a good friend at work is extra special for women.
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on November 8th, 2021 by Jane
