Work Life Balance Tag
You all know I love these! I’ve been tagged by Sheelagh at The Screaming Pages on how do I managed a home/work life balance. It’s one of the hardest things I do on a daily basis (yes, even tougher than editing!). So here we go!
How do you achieve balance in your life? My husband. Honest to Pete, I wouldn’t be able to do half of what I have without his support. He currently stays at home with our kids and I work full time. He buys me time on the weekends to do my writing, and cooks and cleans for me through the week. Complete role reversal in my house ladies. I love him to pieces for everything he’s done for me!
I’ve also learned to keep things separate. I have a BlackBerry, but when I go home it goes into my purse and I don’t bring it out to the next day. When I’m home, that’s what I focus in on. At work, that’s where I keep attention. Not everyone has a job like that, but the more of an effort you make to keep the two apart the better you will be.
No one is indispensable in the corporate world. But no one can replace you at home.
What is your biggest challenge in balancing your life? Time. I think this is the same for most people. I find sleeping less and drinking more coffee helps. Seriously, I look at things as they come up. I make a snap decision as to what is the most important thing in my life at that moment. When I have my answer, then I throw my complete attention on it. Focus on one thing at a time means you get more accomplished and the person you are with enjoys your undivided attention. Not easy to do, but I try.
What are your priorities? Me, Family, writing, health. People think it strange that I put myself ahead of my family, but I look at it this way. If I’m unhappy (over weight, depressed, sick, angry, etc) then none of the other things that are important to me will be looked at. Because I care about them all, I need to look after myself first so I can look after the rest. I also want to show my girls that its important to treat yourself with respect. Because if you don’t, no one else will either.
How have your priorities changed over time and why? Yes and no. I used to put others before myself and I almost burned out. The change has done me a world of good.
What advice can you share to help all of us balance our own lives? Write down on a sheet of paper (or on your blog, or computer) what is important to you. Not what you think should be important, but what really matters. Then you need to look at all the stuff going on in your life. If they don’t directly relate to one of your goals, cut it. You don’t need it. Or at the very least, move it to the bottom of the pile. If you have to choose between two (or more) things, look at them in relation to your goals. If it fits in go for it! And don’t feel bad about saying no.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Honestly you do have to put yourself first, to keep yourself healthy so that you can be there for your kids.
When I was thirty pounds heavier I had no energy, none, and couldn’t play with my kids.
As with writing, my goal is to one day be able to have a full time writing career and stay at home with my kids.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Balance good. Non-balance bad. ummm….sorry - that’s all i got tonight.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Great post! I got tagged for that meme, too — was fun to write. It really made me think about how I’m doing in the balance area. And I guess I’m doing pretty good.
And LOL, I like “sleeping less and drinking more coffee!” If only there were more hours in the day.
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Wanna be my life coach? I couldn’t prioritize myself out of a paper bag. I must be ADD or something.
Thing is, I could sit back and TELL people how to organize themselves more efficiently. I just have a bloody hard time applying it to myself!
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:45 pm
All amazing and inspiring thoughts…okay I’m making a new list! I’m a big list maker…but not too big, I’d rather write five things, do them and then make a new list…
love these posts! Wylie’s too!
April 4th, 2007 at 5:12 am
I’m in awe. I know that everything you say is true… I think what throws me off my game is that I never have a set schedule. We’ll see if I can ever overcome that obstacle. Thanks for a great post!
April 4th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Great advice. Hard to balance work, family and writing, and it sounds like you have managed wonderfully.
April 4th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Great advice on balance with non - balance! I probably have to set an schedule to do these thing. I should print this out to remind myself of your advice
I enjoy reading your post today
April 5th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Great responses. YOur comment about putting yourself first makes perfect sense, but sometimes it’s really hard to do. Kudos to you for seeming to find the right balance. You’ve given me a great deal to think about. Thanks!
April 5th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I really do admire women who can balance both - family and work. Even though I’ve been doing it for awhile now - there are days when I struggle - especially when my other half travels for work, which is pretty often. You’re lucky your husband helps out a lot!!
April 9th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Thanks for participating in the meme and for the great advice. I really like your idea of deciding in any given moment what the most important priority is at that time.