Where to Now?

There is a popular illusion that more free time is the answer to greater work-life balance. Granted, the more one is a workaholic, the more there is an imbalance between work time and personal time. However, such an individual may be passionate about what he or she is doing called work. For such a person, the quality may be fine.

On the other hand, there are those who are between a rock and a hard place because their job demands and may feel their organization is insensitive to their personal obligations; especially where children are involved. Such situations eventually create hard choices. I have a friend whose marriage was seriously threatened by the time he spent at work and could (would) not be with his family. His children were literally growing up in his absence. His wife ultimately issued an ultimatum. "Come home at 5:00 p.m., or look for another family!" He got the message and discovered from his boss that there was no expectation of him to stay at work until 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

The point I'm making is that work-life balance begins with defining what's important to you and your family; your core or spiritual values, beyond being a millionaire, having a vacation home on the ocean, and access to a private jet! I'm talking about those values in your life that without them, you would feel empty and meaningless. For most people, it usually starts with family; unless family is where you are experiencing the greatest difficulty. Then work may be an escape mechanism.

The next area involves those values around Self and one's personal well-being. Have you examined what's really important to you personally? What turns you on? Is it people, kids, technology, teaching, writing, outdoors, healthcare, helping, animals, or the physical well-being of people. Write it down, now!

If you were doing a series of activities associated with what's principally important to you, what would those acivities be? Don't worry about a profession or making money at this point.

Now, if you had to use your interest and activities to earn a living, how would you do it? Take a week or so to explore this question. Would this be an existing job or would you have to start your own business? Could you subcontract or be an independent contractor? Be inventive and creative. Come to a conclusion that minimizes the risk to you and your family.

The point is this. Balance and quality are based more on being clear about how you want to structure your life than it is about time alotments. More often than balance is a result of defining the quality you desire and are willing to achieve--in spite of a major difficulty you must resolve! I will have more to say about this major difficulty next time. Suffice it to say that until this difficulty is resolved, quality and balance are not possible. No matter what the organization does in your behalf. Time is not the answer!

Check out Chapter 5 of Rodney as a free audio download. Animal Kingdom and Spirituality on sale. Buy copies for you and your friends!