Have you been thinking about what work-life balance means to you? Or even just balance in and of itself? Well, there are some people who think there is no such thing. The phrase work-life balance alone is contradictory in their eyes.
I recently came across The myth of work/life balance, in which the author proposes changing the term work-life balance to “work-life compro-balance.” Her thinking is that compromises always have to be made when you’re trying to achieve balance. So, by changing the name, you get more realistic expectations of your goals and it allows “…you the opportunity to forgive yourself if you don’t get everything done in the day.”
The second part of her post actually provides very practical advice. She suggests that you look at the big-picture and evaluate all aspects of your life, separating the things you have to do from those you want to do. Assign percentages to each item based on your available time, realizing of course that there are only a set number of hours available each week. This will allow you to see your time as a whole and as she says, you will “… have an understanding of why you aren’t able to fit certain things in your life, thus reducing guilt and the feeling of pressure.”
Do you agree with her opinion that work-life balance doesn’t exist?
I, personally, can understand her reasoning. But, I feel that if you define balance to fit your needs and lifestyle, then you will be able to have work-life balance in your life since you’ll be striving for your own personalized definition and goals. Whatever you feel provides you with a feeling of balance when juggling work, life, and family, then that is what you will work towards each day.
Weigh in with your opinion in the comments below. Work-life balance or work-life compro-balance?
