Reclaiming Work-Life Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are searching for a way to balance their work and personal lives. But what does work-life balance really mean?
The Evolution of Work-Life Balance
The term work-life balance has received some pushback lately. People have pointed out that the balance between work and life isn't always a fixed, measurable scale. With constant access to emails and work-related tasks through smartphones, it’s easy for work to bleed into personal time, making true “balance” seem impossible. This shift in perspective has led some to prefer terms like "work-life integration" instead.
However, I still advocate for the use of balance because it’s a term everyone understands. It implies a state of equilibrium—something we can all picture. When I think of balance, I envision a person who is well-aligned and functioning at their best. On the other hand, being off-balance is a state of disarray, which most of us can relate to at some point in our lives. For me, work-life balance signifies a conscious effort to achieve that equilibrium, even if it looks different for everyone. In my opinion, it’s time to reclaim the concept of work-life balance, as it offers a familiar and practical framework for achieving well-being and personal fulfillment.
Work-Life Balance: A Personal Journey
The reality is that achieving work-life balance depends on the season of life you’re in. Balance may look very different for someone in the midst of a career change than for someone nearing retirement. Yet, no matter the season, I believe that work should align with purpose. A fulfilling career is one where your talents and skills not only meet your personal aspirations but also serve the needs of the organization you work for.
In an ideal scenario, your passions and profession should complement one another. However, this isn’t always the case, and that’s okay. Some people may be passionate about photography, for example, but they prefer to keep it as a hobby rather than turn it into a full-time profession. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to balancing work and life; it’s about finding what works best for you.
The Reality of Work: Boundaries Are Key
While it's true that businesses are inherently focused on making a profit, it’s equally true that they will continue to push employees to give more, often until there’s little left to give. This is the nature of most industries—there's never a point where work stops completely. In fact, if you ever find yourself in a position where your workload is suddenly light, it may be a sign of trouble, like layoffs or industry decline.
However, being constantly overworked isn't healthy either. In my experience, balance lies somewhere in the middle. It's about managing your workload without feeling like you’re on the edge of burnout. Having boundaries is crucial to achieving this balance. Without them, it’s easy for work to consume your life.
Setting Boundaries
One of the most important steps to maintaining work-life balance is setting personal boundaries. I always tell my clients that work is unlikely to ever "finish" completely, and that’s normal. However, the organization can only take as much as you're willing to give, and setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout.
For example, there’s an old saying: "In 20 years, the only people who will remember you worked late are your kids." This underscores the importance of prioritizing family and personal time. Missing one or two events due to work may not have a lasting impact, but consistently putting work first can erode family relationships and personal well-being.
It's important to understand that boundaries should be reasonable. You can’t expect to be out the door at 5 p.m. every day if your job requires flexibility. But setting a clear boundary and sticking to it as much as possible is key. Don’t let work swallow up every waking hour. Know when it’s time to step away.
Finding the Balance
Ultimately, the goal is to live somewhere in the middle. You can’t expect to work yourself to the bone every day, nor can you expect work to always cater to your personal needs. By setting clear, reasonable boundaries and being willing to adjust when needed, you can find a healthy work-life balance that supports your well-being, your career, and your relationships.
Work-life balance is not a static destination—it’s an ongoing journey that requires constant adjustment. However, by being intentional about your boundaries and mindful of your personal values, you can achieve a fulfilling, balanced life.
