Making work-life balance work for you
Tasneem Jaumally
Strategic Leader Driving Innovation in Higher Education | Transforming Learning through Partnerships | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Youth Development
The topic of work-life balance is everywhere you look. It is frequently cited [Greenhaus & Allen (2011); Grzywacz & Carlson (2007)] as the ultimate objective for everyone seeking to live a full and productive life. However, I have come across a new perspective that questions the usual narrative.?
As part of the Bank of America Women's Entrepreneurship Program at eCornell, Professor Deborah Streeter introduced the concept of the "art of balancing", where the need for balance is highly personal and, for many women, non-linear.
As indicated by O'Neil and Bilimoria (2005), women's lives are fundamentally complex and multifaceted. We play a variety of roles—professional, personal, familial, and societal—all of which require our attention in differing degrees and at different times. The traditional concept of work-life balance suggests a consistent requirement to divide our time and energy fairly between work and personal life. However, in fact, our lives rarely take such a direct course.
There are times in our life when everything appears to be in perfect harmony. Our careers may be thriving, our personal lives enjoyable, and our energy levels high. During such times, the pursuit of work-life balance may not be as essential or important. In reality, we may find ourselves completely involved in our professional or personal projects, gaining enormous satisfaction from them without feeling the need to step back.
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On the other hand, there are times when the scales tip the opposite way. Personal circumstances, health, or external forces may need a different level of attention, prompting us to reconsider our priorities. It is in these times that the concept of balance becomes increasingly important, not as a societal obligation, but as a personal choice customised to our specific circumstances.
While work-life balance is vital, it should not take precedence over an individual's ability to select what balance means to them. It is critical to understand that what works for one individual might not work for another. Some women find joy and fulfillment in the hustle and bustle of a hard career, whereas others seek consolation in taking a step back to focus on personal development or family.
The main message that I want to share is that the search of balance should be motivated by personal needs and wants, rather than society expectations. Women should feel empowered to define what balance means to them at any particular time in their lives. Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all answer. We should enjoy the freedom to select our own path and understand that finding balance, in whatever form it takes, is a very personal choice.