Work life balance; what is it? Can this be achieved? Could it be just a myth? If you asked these questions then you may not be in the right job! I am a very strong advocate on work/life balance and even more so since having kids. People think that “work life balance” is about a ‘kids and family’ balancing act, but it affects everyone. Work is only one component of our lives; the others are our social and family life.

Reflecting upon work/life balance becomes so apparent and important when you actually go on annual leave. I write this blog on the flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne stuck between two ‘needy’ toddlers and a plane full of passengers. My fate is arriving at Melbourne airport at 11:30pm, then into the office at 8am the following morning. Although at this moment this thought absolutely pains, troubles and disturbs me. I know that I’ve had an amazing time on annual leave and continually repeat in my mind “work hard” “play hard”. This is my ‘work/life’ balance.

We all spend the majority of our waking hours at work; therefore you need to enjoy what you are doing. This being the case, you need to ensure that the precious hours not spent at work are just that ‘precious’. If you have a family with kids, its spending time with the family or spending time with loved ones and friends. Life is too short to dedicate all your time and energy to work!

I was recently told a story of a fit and healthy 28 year old that had a thriving career, bright future and loving family around her. One day without warning was told that the headaches she was experiencing were actually cysts on her brain and while she ex-pat overseas they operated immediately. During her surgery she experienced two strokes and spent the next 5 years in rehabilitation, learning how to walk, talk, eat and communicate again. The reason for this story is to highlight the need for everyone to occasionally just take a step back. Even if you are overloaded at work, deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, presentations to propose etc. Everything should be enjoyable, make sure that you have the time to relax and enjoy the accomplishments you’ve achieved.

If you are in the job market, you need to ensure that when you are faced with potential job opportunities, you need to evaluate them as the entire opportunity and not just the job itself. Money is precious and is needed and wanted by everyone, but an employer who offers flexibility and a work/life balance should outweigh any salary amount that may be offered!

Written by Linda Lewin