Is It Easier to Solve the Quadratic Equation or Work Life Balance?
As for me, I think I’ll take the quadratic equation any day. Not that I love algebra but at least I know it’s solvable. I’m not sure work life balance is. Perhaps it seemingly is one day and then the next day something goes haywire. Did you ever see that pinball machine called Haywire? If you hit a certain bumper, everything goes crazy? That’s what my life feels like when I’m living the facade of work life balance and then one little thing gets tipped. For example, my daughter gets a virus and I have to cancel all of my appointments, then she gives it to me, and I cancel more appointments. You know the drill. Everything goes haywire.
I was talking with a good friend last week. She used to work but now she’s a stay at home mom of two. She said, I can’t believe I’ve been off work for over three years now. I keep thinking if I go back, I’ll feel better about contributing to the family finances and therefore feel better about taking time out and spending money on myself. I smiled, knowing that the scale would then get off kilter in another direction. I see it all the time. Moms who work don’t take time for themselves because they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their kids. Nobody’s got the perfect scenario.
So, back to my original point. Is Work Life Balance is an oxymoron? Perhaps if we renamed it to Work Life Imbalance and accepted it as such, we would all be a bit happier with our lives as working mothers? I know I’ve been trying to embrace it as such and it’s helping. I try to be present with whatever is in front of me at that moment. Yes, there are days when I feel like I’m constantly running from one gauntlet to the next. (I’ll admit, I’m okay with that most of the time because I’m wired to operate that way. Those of you who know me can attest. At least until I run into the Haywire bumper that is). But there are other days when I feel like I can’t catch my breath. Those are the days when I have to think about the quadratic equation…and the oxymoron of work life balance and to know that my life is like this because I choose for it to be full with work, life and a child. I wouldn’t want it any other way. How about you?
P S. Here’s a nice article by the Mayo Clinic with some suggestions for how to improve your Work Life Imbalance.
10 Responses to “Is It Easier to Solve the Quadratic Equation or Work Life Balance?”
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You are on to something. As a mother, wife AND career-minded woman, my days became much more fulfilling once I accepted the fact that my life will only be “balanced” for brief moments in a 24 hour period. By working diligently to focus on the NOW, whether it is working with a client on their health goals, or cleaning up the applesauce that my dog just knocked off of my son’s highchair, I am better able to accept where I am at any given moment. Balance is simply a desirable point between two or more opposite forces. Key word…DESIRABLE. By shifting my mind and accepting the lack of balnce I actually feel more in control and balanced.
Leigh-Ann Webster
Wow! I know so many moms that would say the same about which is easier… I agree with you that solving the work/life balance is not possible. There is no way to solve it but to try your darnedest to inject some “me” time every day, no matter what….This is what makes me feel the most balanced in my life running a business and taking care of 3 active children. After all, nobody benefits from a “strung-out, guilt ridden mommy”… Thanks for the great article… I’m gonna use it on my site, where I am working to inspire great moms to be great women too…www.milphworld.com.
BTW – great site!!!
When did we stop thinking that being a Mom wasn’t work? I think we have moved 2 steps back since wanting to define ourselves by being able to do it all. You sacrifice, there is no doubt, It maybe your health, your children, your career or your relationship. The truth of the matter is you can’t have it all and realizing that maybe the awakening you need. I know for me I do what I have to do so I can do what I want to do. Life is so short and I do not want my success to be defined by a little check mark in the completed box. It’s the journey that defines your success. I know that life is just that, it’s a 1 time play, there are no do overs. I have been fortunate enough to face my own mortality at the age of 10, when you see your end, you begin to look through a new pair of eyes. Has it made me the best “worker’? Probably not. A better human? No doubt! I would rather face my final review with those qualifications.
Can we talk about the new movement for Corporations defining themselves as Work, life balance conscious? Please. I think the fundamental issue is the way it begins… Work, Life Balance…
How about Life balance & work?
Jen Potter
It really is an all time favourite paradox…maintaing the balance between work and family life. This article at http://outsorcerer.com/blog/?p=47 is an interesting read for working mothers who are keen on a career and want to kill the guilt as well.
Ahh, Ishani Welcome! I love your site and I’ve had an interest in looking into opportunities with Indian outsourcers. Let’s talk! I’d love to learn more and blog about the benefits this can add to a Six Figure Moms lives. It sure sounds like there is a place on the entourage for an Indian VA! Thanks for posting a comment! Angie
Jen, You have such a BIG, Inspiring personality in that health challenged body of yours. I have always been drawn to your sassy spirit! You are right on with your assessment of where corporations need to go and it is women like you are are willing to push the envelop of what you really want and need who will open the door for others in the future. The work force IS changing and workers of tomorrow will not put up with options that aren’t more accomodating to their needs. The sooner corporations embrace that, the sooner they win. You are onto something. Keep up the good work…and keep forging a path for the future and being a great role model for the rest of us!
Hi Amy, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment and a linkback to your site. What a great concept you have in Milph World and THANK YOU for giving women a place to feel GREAT about themselves. Moms SOOOO need that! Perhaps you should come be a speaker at a Six Figure Moms Club event? Looking forward to connecting!
Leigh-Ann, Thanks for sharing your perspective. It’s so nice to know that even you, a well respected wellness coach, struggles with the same things the rest of us do as moms. I’m glad you stopped by the blog and look forward to your future comments!
Thanks Angie!! Great to know that you liked our blog. Well, I’d definitely like to talk at length with you on oppurtunities wherein our blog can really make a difference to the six figure moms lives. Waiting eagerly to hear from you.