Beyond Boundaries: Realizing Work-Life Balance as a Personal Choice

Work-life balance is a topic that has sparked numerous debates, rants, and probably a lot of arguments between employee and employer over the years. While some see it as an elusive concept, others believe it's achievable, while some argue that it's outdated in our technology-connected world. I've always found myself in the camp that viewed it as nearly impossible to attain. However, a recent conversation with Diana Littleton , an exceptional woman leader and the Director of Partner Services at 瞻博网络 , completely shifted my perspective on this matter.

A few weeks ago, I came across Diana's profile on LinkedIn, and as I read through her bio and impressive career journey in the tech industry, I knew I had to connect with her for my women leaders in technology interview series. During our chat, I was struck not only by her professional achievements but also by her confidence and grounded demeanor.

Diana and I had an extensive conversation about the true essence of work-life balance, and during our chat Diana said something that stuck with me.

“You have the power to decide how you allocate your time; you can choose to invest it in a client call or trust someone else to handle it."

Diana emphasizes the importance of carefully considering which meetings truly require your presence. Though this concept can be initially challenging and may trigger feelings of guilt, Diana highlights that "non-essential calls provide opportunities for others to grow. It ultimately comes down to choosing to step back."

This perspective fundamentally reshapes the idea of work-life balance, emphasizing it as a matter of personal choice rather than being dictated by external factors. The reality is that we are one person living one life, and to find fulfillment, we must ensure all aspects of our life are nurtured at different stages. While this concept is straightforward in theory, it can be considerably more complex in practice.

At this stage in my life, my daily routine includes a 45-minute midday walk, a silent escape that often sparks my most creative ideas and fuels the need for movement. Nearly every evening, after my son has gone to bed (around 7-8 pm), I catch up on emails and tasks I couldn't complete during the day to allow me to feel accomplished, organized, and ready for the next day. On Mondays, I take my son to Swedish school during my last work hour for the day, and Wednesdays are dedicated to swim class, also during work hours. Every six months, I schedule a dentist appointment, which often falls within work hours. Additionally, every 10 weeks, I get my hair done, and although I bring my computer and work during the appointment, it, too, occurs during work hours.

After years of contemplating this elusive concept, I now understand that I've already achieved it. My daily routine is what defines my unique "work-life balance." Much of the credit for this goes to Reel Axis, a company that not only champions flexibility but also empowers individuals to make choices that mutually benefit themselves and the organization.

It's crucial to recognize that each person's definition of "work-life balance" varies. What constitutes balance for one may not be the same for another. It's a highly personal choice, and everyone's balance looks different.

I'd also like to challenge the advice that strongly advocates against emailing or working late at night or on weekends. For some, these hours align better with their life and their sense of balance. Some individuals are early birds, like me, while others function better after 7pm. Whoever you are, embrace your natural rhythms. You know yourself best, including when you're most productive and mentally prepared to tackle daily tasks.

Work-life balance is indeed achievable, and, as Diana emphasizes, it's largely a matter of choice, influenced by the organization you work for. While some companies adhere to the traditional 8 am - 5 pm schedule, if that doesn't align with your ideal balance, you have the power to seek change.

When reflecting on my path towards achieving balance, these four key aspects have been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I hope they can serve as inspiration for your own journey as well:

• Integration over Separation: Start by discarding the idea of work and life as separate entities. Achieving true balance means recognizing their interdependence and treating them as such. Craft boundaries that benefit both aspects of your life. If working at night and handling errands during the day aligns with your preferences, go for it. Your choices should prioritize what's best for you, not others, and this approach will serve your well-being in the long term.
• Let Go of Control: Let go of the impulse to control every detail. Embrace situations where you may not have all the answers. You don't need to be involved in every meeting or oversee every task; such micromanagement can be counterproductive. Trust your team to fulfill their responsibilities, and if this isn't feasible, consider reassessing your team composition.
• Harness the Power of Breaks: Allocate daily time for self-care, whether it's a 30-minute personal activity, a refreshing walk, an intense CrossFit session (like me!), quality time with a pet, or simply enjoying lunch. Prioritize daily rejuvenation and schedule it at the time that suits you best.
• Embrace Flexibility: While routines can be comforting, acknowledge that work and life can throw unexpected curveballs. Flexibility is key to staying on track when the unexpected arises. Adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining your overall goals is essential for achieving balance.

Work-life balance is not an unattainable ideal but a conscious choice individuals can make to live more fulfilling lives. Balancing work and life starts with recognizing your power to shape your own narrative. Regardless of your company's culture or your boss's stance, you are the primary advocate for your life and your balance. As Diana wisely puts it, "You can't be all in for everyone, but you have to be all in for yourself".