by Cheryl Marks Young
When you hear the word “balance” what image comes to mind? Do you envision a set of scales with items piled equally on either side so that the trays rest parallel to one another? Is it another image that reflects some sort of symmetry? Probably. Yet, it’s this association that may make work-life balance seem illusive.
Balance, after all, is not necessarily about obtaining equal portions. The definition of balance has many facets. When it comes to the way we divide our time, however, we ought to take note that one option offered by Merriam Webster is more about proportion and harmony than equal division. In other words, work-life balance may look more like a see-saw than a scale.
Not a Power Struggle
Let’s be clear. The see-saw analogy is not to suggest that dividing your time between work and personal tasks is a constant battle. This is about recognizing that sometimes you may need to give more hours to one facet of your life than another.
The days leading up to a big deadline may require a bit more focus on the work aspect of your day than your time at home. When you’re on vacation, on the other hand, your focus will be on fun, family, friends, adventure, relaxation, or whatever else you’ve got planned for your time off…