Thinking about work-life balance (10/11)
By Carol Barra
As I thought about this column’s topic, I was feeling that work is taking over my life again. Does this sound familiar? I know everyone struggles with work-life balance, so I am in great company.
Reflecting on this question/issue of work-life balance made me realize I have this discussion with myself at least a couple of times a year. At this time of year, as the days are getting shorter, I realize again how affected I am by shorter days. When there is no daylight early in the evening I start thinking I have to get a life outside of the work I love.
I had some choices to make about handling life and work balance on a recent Friday. I had taken the day as a vacation day. Then I found out there was a mandatory call scheduled for work in preparation for a meeting late the following week. I struggled with this decision until my vacation day arrived and it was one of those absolutely spectacular fall days in upstate New York. I did think about the call that I should have been on, at least once, and decided to listen to the recording before the meeting.
What I decided to do was work outside in the glorious sunshine and mid-70 degree day. And, it felt great! Are you wondering what could be more fun than that call I wasn’t on? I was having a flagstone patio built and I wanted to get out and help. I got lucky because the help my contractor was counting on had to leave for a few hours. Yes! I got to carry stones and shovel gravel and help follow the pattern laid out on paper. Okay, I wasn’t perfect with sticking to the pattern; but, no one other than the contractor and I will ever know where I led him wrong. Working outside in the sunshine, doing physical labor, was just what I needed. At the end of the day I felt great and energized. Okay, maybe I was tired because it was more physical work than I am used to; but, it was a really nice kind of tired. And, I had the sense of satisfaction that comes when a project is finished.
I mentioned a second time of year that presents a challenge for my work-life balance. That would be spring, as I start to notice the days getting longer. I love that time of year. The longer days present another challenge for me. I want to get outside for an early morning walk and again in the evening. During the longer days I find myself working longer hours because I know I can get outside while it is still daylight. Thankfully, I have a good friend who has a dog. And, dogs need to be walked in New York City. She often calls me in the early evening and “makes” me go for a long walk. On the days I don’t get that call I have a tendency to keep working into the evening. When I do this I feel cheated out of time for myself.
Okay, I know this is familiar to all of us. I also know that work-life balance has always been a challenge for me. I am really lucky to have loved the jobs I have had over the past 30-plus years. I am quite sure we all go through phases where work takes over our lives. I understand there are pressures and sometimes working long hours can’t be avoided due to deadlines. But, life is short and we all need to take time for the really important things–family, friends and fun.
That’s all for now, I am off to have a glass of wine with a good friend.
