Lots of my clients come to me seeking better work-life balance. It’s an important consideration for most of us, because we are whole people with lives outside of our jobs. Ideally those outside lives are also meaningful and fulfilling!
But what does work-life balance even mean? The truth is, of course, that it’s individual. For some, it simply means the ability to leave work at work, not thinking about it in the evening, on weekends, or during vacations. For others, it means the ability to run an errand during the workday or to work from home while waiting for the plumber. The only one who can truly decide what you need is you, though I recommend a conversation with a spouse or partner, of course.
Think about what you really need, and then think about what would make your life really great. Do you thrive in a hybrid work situation? Would 4 10-hour workdays be great? Are you at your best when you can roll into work at 10:30? Considerations like these can make the difference between doing okay and thriving, so spend some time thinking about it!
When you’re clear about what you need, it’s time to take action. If you have a job, talk to your manager about possible schedule adjustments that might make a difference. If you’re looking for something new, frame questions to ask to contacts in companies or during the interview process.
And be clear about what your needs are. No job is worth a compromise that will give you buckets of stress or an unhappy home life, so it’s important to know what your walking-away criteria are. Even in a tough job market, your wellbeing matters!
