When I began writing this, my first apprehension was what to share with the community about work-life balance that they haven’t read before. It’s something every woman designs for herself - marrying circumstances, priorities and dreams unique to her own life to accomplish the elusive balance.
However, as a woman I also realize our need for validation that we are doing just right. I also understand our need to share our stories – stories that bind our common yet individually unique threads of careers, life and relationships.
As we grow up, we are taught to prioritize. For most of us, priorities usually take the form of family, personal relationships, career and lastly, our own selves. We are conditioned to believe that prioritizing and focusing on the right things is the first step towards balancing our lives.
However, I believe we have to face everything life throws at us. Many situations integral to our life, require our strength and attention at the same time – whether it is that presentation to prepare late night or the dinner that needs to be cooked, looking after the health of our spouse/kids, keeping the house in order – we have to give it the time it needs. And more often than not, we don’t want to compromise on any of it to avoid the guilt that it brings.
Hence today, I share with you tips for balancing work and family:
On the work front – At the workplace, remember one golden rule ‘If you don’t stand up for yourself, no one will’. Though this level of assertion, takes time to develop, it is extremely crucial to not be afraid of demanding flexibility when you need it. Demonstrate your commitment to the job early-on to enjoy flex-benefits whenever you need.
On the home front
Sort your Basics – Try and stay as close to home as possible. Saving on precious commute time lends time to activities such as exercise, a good sleep, cooking your favorite meal or enjoying a cup of coffee with yourself! If staying close is not possible, then use the time to make that long-due call to a friend. Sometimes, a heart-to-heart chat is the best antidote to a long day at work
Plan your week ahead – Have fixed days to stock the week’s groceries, to call the laundry guy or the bathroom cleaner hence minimizing the doorbells one has to answer
Swear by home-delivery services – dry clean pickups, vegetable vendors, meals, appliance maintenance etc – have them all on speed dial!
On the personal front
Stop worrying about things that are not in your hand especially things like what the ‘society’ has to say – remember this society has too many mouths and you only two ears. Lend your ears only to opinions that matter
Once you make a decision, don’t regret it. Be content with your choices – what maybe the right solution for your neighbor might not be so for you
Remember to take out some ‘me’ time to read a book, to pamper yourself with a spa visit or to plan an exclusive outing with your girlfriends
I am certain that all of us must be doing a lot more - both at a conscious and unconscious level - to attain the mythical balance. All I can say is, if you believe you can have it all, you will. Balance, like happiness, is a state of mind.
Until next month.
