What is Work and Family Balance? And How do I Get It?
By Sandi Epstein
Balance is experienced differently by everyone and can be identified by some
or all of the following feelings:
You have enough time for family and work
Life "flows" and feels relatively effortless
When something in your life breaks down (baby sitter gets sick, the car
breaks) you have the resources to cope
You are on the path you want to be personally and professionally for the
future
Balance has some characteristics:
It is not a constant, it comes and goes as things change in life
It has to be worked at
The process of seeking balance can be stimulating and a true learning
experience about what is important to you
How do you get balance?
There are many components to finding balance, many that you know consciously
and unconsciously. Here is my "top ten" components to finding balance. Add
your own and put this list in the back of your mind to help guide you in this
difficult process.
Recognize that balancing roles as mother and business person is truly work
in itself, it requires appreciation of your work (a pat on the back)
Take time to think about balance and how to get it this week
Apply your best analytical and creative thinking to problem solve this task
Remember yourself, your needs, your wants, your happiness - this is the
ultimate barometer of balance
Have faith there is a way - don’t put barriers in front of possibilities,
you can make it work
Flexibility is important - what works this week may be out of whack next
week - stay open to new solutions
Know the signs of imbalance, including resentment, fatigue, overwhelm,
depression, unhappy family members, dissatisfaction with work
Revisit your core values and live them, know what is most important to you
today
Remove, delegate the things that interfere with the important stuff
Sandi is a professional coach helping people to achieve their best in life. You can email her at
SLSE123@aol.com or visit her Web site at WorkandLifeCoach.com/
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