Should we rethink the concept of work-life balance?

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Robin Madell

The latest survey results Allstate / National Journal Heartland Monitor asked the question: Is the concept of work-life pure imagination, or is it a fact that it still exist?

Forty percent of Americans interviewed for the survey in October 2014 that "in today's economy, it is not possible to be successful for most people at work, a good life and have enough time to make a contribution to their family and community. "

The survey led to many other startling statistics as follows:

• A third of respondents (33 percent) said they Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's probably working.
• More than half (56 per cent) working after hours often or occasionally.
• More than half (49 percent) checks reading of his latest work in the holidays with work or emails.

Some fields can pay more balance between work and lives of others. A 2014 survey by The Creative Group found that 62 percent of executives in marketing and advertising works weekends at least once a month. Regardless of your industry, Scott Eblin, author of "overworked and overwhelmed" by, he wrote in his book: "For most managers, and other professionals, circumstances force many changes in a basic Sons do almost continuous like a good recipe. to be overloaded and overwhelmed. "Drop-off window

These are some of the reasons why the concept of work and family life remains a fantasy for many people in the US In addition, many experts believe that the race metaphor of "balance" is always restless, caffeine provides realities today. Instead they recommend terms such as "mixture of working life", to describe the "Work-Life Integration" and "Management of working life", the right combination of employees makes it convenient for working, family, leisure and personal activities.

"What makes the concept of work and private life seems so inaccessible that many people assume that all aspects of working life and should be given the same weight at the same time," Libby said Gill, executive coach, author and lecturer. "It is not very realistic, is downright exhausting."

"The balancing act is different every day," says Laura Gmeinder coach leadership. "And maybe your ideal balance is not possible with your career and your life. If you do not want to change your career or lifestyle, it is more about the mixture to get the best of both."

Here are four ideas to experience more real and less fantastic when it comes to the successful integration of his career with his family and social life:

Find your statement, if you have a strong ambition to achieve a certain goal. - If you start your own business on a tight budget or raising twins alone - you may think that "nothing" can be a recipe for failure and disappointment. Instead, James Beriker, President and CEO, Simply Hired, recommends moving the way you think about your goals, if you try to achieve something of utmost importance. Beriker wrote on 1 August 2014 on LinkedIn Blog, in some cases, "Your job is and should be, for all consumers."

"Chances are, even if you want to change, you will be hunted wired to just" Beriker writing. "Be aware of this. After the acquisition of this reality, the next step is to make your life in a way that you are who you without blowing anything up, it can manage."

Author and lecturer Anne Grady agreement. "The truth is that there are things that should have priority over others," he said. "These are our priorities and not primarily focus at a time. Instead of stressing yourself trying to get the idea difficult balance to achieve, determine what is most important, and spend 80 percent of his time there, without apologizing for it ".

Try a new instrument of the word "balance" means allocated entirely equal divisions of time for each component -. In this case, the work on one side and everything else is in the lives of others. However, it is almost impossible to create situations in which these segments receive the same amount of time each day. Experts balance work and author Samantha Ettus notes that, as most of us do not have the flexibility, less time at work or taking care of a parent or a sick child to spend our life's work and private life is not out is when to a scale based on the time measured.

However, the use of a new measurement tool life is just to recommend a cake than 50:50. "His career, children, wedding / love, friends, health, religion, community will each receive a piece," he said. "Everything takes time in his life is its own slice. Now, instead of fighting on time scoring goals for each band, and measure their success by how to reach them. Measure your life piece per serving".

Daily, weekly, do not you think. If you look at the big picture of your life, it is easy to believe that if you stay late to work every night this week, you'll be able to catch up next week and spend more time relaxing. But it is likely that there is much work next week. Sp, when you see downtime, to "catch up" to continue, you will need to wait a long time for the party difficult to achieve.

"The work-life balance must be achieved on a daily basis, with the exception of time available each day for self and carry out recreational activities, even if only for a few minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening day work - especially on weekends," says Barb Schmidt, author of "The Practice: Simple tools to manage stress, find inner peace and happiness to reveal". "Protect your turn to say" no ", instead of" yes "in many situations, maintaining clear boundaries at work and at home, and really a choice at the time the things you get where you and place want to place work and at home, all the buttons. "Drop-off window

Add "ing". Due to the difficulty of a balance, it is important to have realistic expectations and are flexible. Even if you have all the plates spinning today may something unexpected that your pace spear happen. The secret, according to Dawn Gluskin, author of the forthcoming book "Zen Style" is to learn, but as compensation balance.

"It's the end of the keywords you that it is an ongoing effort -ing," he said. "You never get there. But if you take the time to evaluate your goals and desires on a regular basis, then adjust as needed, you close enough to live a full and happy life."

Robin Madell spent more than two decades as a management consultant author, journalist and corporate communication, leadership, career, health, finances, technology, and public policy issues. It serves as the editor and publisher of the black speeches for executives and entrepreneurs from various industries. Madell interviewed more than 200 opinion leaders from all over the world, winning 20 of editorial excellence. She served on the board of the Association of Women's Health business in New York and San Francisco. Madell is the author of "Thirty survivors: Americans talk about life after 30" and co-author of "strong principles: professional success."