Work-Life Balance – Is This Achievable?
Work-life balance may feel impossible, but it's not. Work is a part of life, but life is meant to be enjoyed, too. So, why can't we have both? The good news is we can. Achieving a balance between your professional and personal life may be closer than you think.
How?
The answer can be both simple and complicated. As an employee, there's only so much control you may have. Some people have full autonomy over their schedules, while others may have little to no flexibility. The key to finding a balance lies in personalization and flexibility. I encourage you to think about what would work best for you based on your role, your company, and your priorities.
Identify the Problem Areas in What’s Not Currently Balanced
Identify the areas in your work-life setup that feel unbalanced. Some common signs include:
In-office frequency
Working overtime
Always saying "yes" to new projects
Having meetings at inconvenient times (early mornings or late evenings)
Trying to meet impossible deadlines
Missing family dinners
Little to no personal time
Feeling drained after work
Your life revolves around work
Now, do you live to work, or work to live? Personally, I prefer the mindset of "I work to live." My job allows me to do what I enjoy, so I can live a fulfilling life outside of work. Whether it's traveling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, your job should be a vehicle for achieving a well-rounded life—not the thing that takes over your existence.
Once you’ve identified what’s not working, you can start seeking solutions. Sometimes, even small changes can make a big difference.
Potential Solutions to Achieve Work-Life Balance
Here are a few potential solutions to help you create a more balanced work week:
Schedule meetings within set time windows: Prevent meetings from spilling into personal time by establishing clear boundaries.
Time-block your day: Dedicate chunks of time for work, meetings, and personal tasks.
Consider hybrid or remote work: If your role allows, explore flexible work arrangements to reduce commute times and increase personal freedom.
Turn off notifications after work hours: Disable email and work notifications so you’re not constantly pulled back into work mode.
Leave your work laptop behind on vacation: Fully disconnect when you’re away, rather than checking in “just in case.”
Set a hard end time to your workday: Give yourself permission to stop working at a certain time each day, no matter how much is left on your to-do list.
Make time for family dinners: Prioritize personal time by committing to be home for dinner at least a few nights a week.
Establish a healthy sleep routine: A good night’s sleep is key to both productivity and personal well-being.
Moving Forward
Now that you’ve identified some ways to make your work-life balance more manageable, the next step is figuring out what works best for you. Take note of what you can control and think about how to communicate your needs to your leadership team.
Start by implementing just one or two of the strategies listed above. Change takes time, and it’s important to be kind to yourself and patient with your leadership as you navigate this process. Creating a healthier and well-balanced work environment will take effort, but every small step you take brings you closer to the balance you're aiming for.
Work-life balance isn't a myth. It’s a process, and it’s about making small, intentional changes to how you manage both your work and personal life. Take a deep breath, evaluate what needs to change, and start taking small actions to create a balance that allows you to truly enjoy both work and life.