Work-Life Balance

We hear a lot about work-life balance, so just what does ‘balance’ mean? The word connotes a two-sided scale where both sides are in balance, depending on the equal weight of two opposing forces. In this case, working and parenting. Which is not at all realistic.

There is a time for work and a time for love. That leaves no other time. – Coco Chanel

Let’s face facts, whether you’re working full-time, part-time, for yourself or someone else, your universe will not always be in perfect order, neither will the laundry and probably your home. It’s a fact, one will be sacrificed for the other at times. Rather than trying to create perfection, just try and focus on what really matters to you and your family.

Most of us have trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn’t is someone who I admire but have never met. – Barbara Walters

What is your ideal work schedule

Think about what you need to feel fulfilled as an individual. What are you comfortable with? Does full-time or part-time work suit you and your family better? You may need to try different options before finding a balance you feel comfortable with.

Try to see yourself as a role model to your children and other young men and women. Women are an important part of society, working is part of reality and women should enjoy working and contributing to the family without feeling guilty. Working makes us feel we are participating in life giving us a sense of pride, purpose and self-satisfaction.

As a working mother, I know that women can be both professionally ambitious and deeply committed to their families. – Tory Burch

Need a more flexible work schedule

If you’re looking to get back into the workforce and would prefer more flexible hours, you may want to consider starting your own business or purchasing an established one. More and more women are choosing to run their own business as it offers a more flexible lifestyle.

Some of the benefits of your own business include the ability to live a more spontaneous lifestyle, work around the family and take time-off when you need without notice. Business owners can also burn the midnight oil when a deadline is due or catch up on work in the comfort of their home. Nevertheless, shouldering the responsibility of business ownership requires the family to be patient at times. Especially when starting a business or during busier periods.

I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles. – Zig Ziglar

Accept all may not be perfect

It’s important to make some decisions early on to help you manage the home front so you are be able to focus on your work. Given the extra time you need to put into your working day, you may have to compromise a little with perfection in the home. You really must let go of the idea that you need to do it all, as it will take a toll on you. However, nothing is more stressful than coming home from work exhausted and finding the house is an absolute mess. Think about hiring some to help around the home so you can cut back on domestic chores and focus on the things that are important to you and the family.

There’s no such thing as work-life balance. There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences. – Jack Welch

Must book in some ‘me time’

This is not a suggestion, it is crucial! Don’t try and be a martyr and do it all, it will only wear you out. As a working mum, you need to recharge your batteries and take some time out so you have enough energy to deal with everything else. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a massage, manicure or simply browsing the shops, just make sure you do it. Regular ‘me time’ is very important in order to keep going.

Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance. – Oprah Winfrey

Resist the feeling of guilt

Life is what you make of it so let’s stop worrying and make the best of what we have. Let go of mother guilt, mums have enough on their plates without added guilt. Try to remember that you are trying to do the best you can for your children’s future.

Stop feeling guilty about working, not working, not contributing to the family, not making enough homemade dinners, taking ‘me time’ and the list goes on and on. Stop it right now!

This kind of thinking is a waste of energy – energy you could be using more productively. So turn those thoughts around. You are choosing to work for a reason, you are choosing to spend time with your children for a reason, you are choosing ‘me time’ for a reason – resist the feeling of guilt. Always remind yourself, you are doing the very best job you can!