Finding the "Why" that Leads to Work-Life Balance

Phrases like “work-life balance” and words like “flexibility” are being tossed around like candy on Halloween. Having spent a number of years in a large global organisation, the demands of the role often seem to outweigh personal time.

Recently though, I started to really consider what causes the perception of a loss of this balance or resentment of our roles. One reason that came to light was that I did not have a big enough reason to get up and leave.

Taking up exercise January 1st because you know you should get fit or lose a few of those extra holiday pounds, often leads to early failures and lapses in gym memberships. Instead, shifting the focus to “how” and “where” you exercise and the state you want to achieve your goals could be the key. Is it the peace and empowerment your crave? Maybe yoga or hiking is for you.

Photo Credit: @Ryde.NYC 2019

If you need energy but also autonomy and zero judgments; try spinning (bonus: it is often in the dark), where you cycle to the beat of the music with no one caring what you look like. Spinning has been a new passion of mine this year. Mainly the joy of a class comes not only from the mad rush of endorphins from the high-intensity workout but also because I go with my friends and often get a coffee after. Five months in, this sweat event of group torture has become a focus of my goals and time. Most importantly when talking about work-life balance, it is also a driving reason to close the laptop and leave the office. I know I have a class which I have not only paid for, but my friends are expecting me to be there and will hold me accountable.

Do something that makes you feel good. Whether you are leaving work to volunteer, picking up your kids, going to finish that drywall so you can flip that house on the side; get to know your “why” and really dig into the connection of how it makes you feel. The Job’s Network also cited that it makes you “…become more interesting” (link, 2019), a point to which I happen to agree. Conversations about your weekend trip, your kids' sports game you watched or that recent mountain you climbed will excite both you and your colleagues in conversations around the water cooler (more so that discussing your disgruntled attitude to your job). Mark Zuckerberg is quoted as saying that having hobbies makes you better at your job as it shows drive, leadership and passion which can be transferred into the workplace.

Take a class or a course to discover new interests. I took up photography two years ago and it has unleashed a way of looking at the world I was missing entirely; making your walk less toward a destination, but focussing more on the colours and sights around you on the way.

Life isn’t just the 9-5; it is the 24/7 in and outside the cubicle.

Check out my Instagram page to see the latest snaps @emilytravelling or follow the hashtag #emcpics