While the pandemic has forced some reflection time on all of us, young, high-earning men seemed impervious to this trend, that is, until now. The data suggests that men with families have dropped their work hours more than any other group, as they now spend more time socializing, relaxing, and doing household and parenting activities. The amount of time unmarried men spent on work changed little during this same period.
Statistics aside, work-life balance is not an entitlement or benefit. Your company cannot give it to you. You have to create it for yourself. I’ve always thought work-life integration is a better way to describe this modern phenomenon as trying to be balanced sounds like Chip trying to be Olga Korbut on the Olympic balancing beam.
Work-life integration refers to “blending” work and personal responsibilities. For me, this work-life integration means working for designated hours—typically 9 to 5—and then leaving work behind for the remaining personal hours. Of course, given that all of my work is on the same phone I use for my personal life, it’s hard to have the regimentation that this definition of balance might require. In short, work-life balance requires constant vigilance and self-awareness.
How do you manage to keep a work-life balance? Any tips you can share? We could all use the help.
P.S. Feeling stuck with your work-life satisfaction? We have two workshops this May dedicated to helping you break through those obstacles, reframe career transitions, and level up your leadership skills.
The Courage to ReLaunch: Recreate Your Career on Your Terms – May 14th to 21st
Disrupting Traditional Leadership by Unlocking Your Inner Genius – May 28th to June 4th