The work-life balance has been the focus of a great deal of attention in recent years. As global skills and economies grow, many of us are finding that in order to be successful, we have to put increasingly long hours into our careers, often at the expense of our personal lives.And that is where the debate begins. How much is too much time spent on one’s career?
Is it quantifiable, and if so, how many hours per week does it boil down to? Is it different for men and women? Does, or should, the presence of a family make a difference? If one does choose to work less so as to spend more time with loved ones and oneself (the oft-forgotten person we should all spend time with), how much of our income is it fair to sacrifice? Which is more important – to send the kids to that really expensive school/buy that really wonderful home, or to have quality time with those around us?
These are not questions I can answer. I don’t believe anyone can – they are questions the answers to which are most likely different for everyone. It is worthwhile to think about them, though, and thinking about them seriously, so as to ensure that there are no regrets later in life.There is also another issue to deal with:actually separating work and private lives can be almost impossible. It’s not only that we may spend too much time at work.
It’s also that we are all, fundamentally, human beings, and as such we tend to bring our private lives with us to work.While this may not always be ideal – for example, going through a rough personal time may negatively affect our work – it is, for most of us, unavoidable. It’s something it behooves us all to remember, no matter where we may be on the corporate ladder.
Even modern management theory has abandoned the “Metropolis” idea of people as automatons, and reluctantly concluded that people are just that – people, complete with all the characteristics that can make them both brilliant and nightmarish.There is an alternative, though, and one is that not often discussed. Perhaps it is seen as being too romantic or idealistic.
In short, though, maybe it is not necessary to have such a balance – perhaps we can endeavour to find something that we love to do. If we can, then the distinction between “work life” and “private life” falls away, and everything we do simply becomes part of “life”. It’s another challenge in and of itself, of course, but the dividends will far outweigh the costs when the final books are balanced.
aimée whitcroft
The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.
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