Peers have often remarked that I have good work-life balance. They meant it as a compliment but I tended to take it to mean “we recognize you have priorities in your life in addition to your work and so long as you continue to not make it too obvious that we are not the only thing you spend your time on, then it’s OK”.
But what do people really mean when they say “work-life balance”? Work is part of life. As are family, friends, recreational activities, church, relaxing, politics, on and on. If we “balanced” all the aspects of our being, then each would be given equal attention.
I maintain that what people really mean when they accuse you of good “work-life balance” is that you take care to give each aspect of your life the attention it needs at that moment.
Sometimes, work needs you the most – so you turn your attention there and other aspects get a little less attention for a while.
Sometimes, your family needs you the most – so you while you don’t abandon other responsibilities, the family’s need comes first.
“Work-life balance” is simply discernment about how to allocate the scarce resources of your time and energy in a manner that supports those that depend upon you. And that allocation is constantly shifting.
Agree or no?
Here's the entire list of lessons that ring true for me:
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