Work Life Balance
Work Life Balance
by Saralyn Richard
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
I was recently asked in a video interview what my work-life balance looked like. I had to laugh. I’m sorry to say I’ve never perfected work-life balance, and I’ve never really tried. While I’m a perfectionist in many things, anything that requires me to pay attention to time is a lost cause.
As a disclaimer, writing, for me, is not actually work. Being a writer is a long-deferred dream come true, so now that I have dedicated myself to telling stories, the work is joyous. When I’m working, I give my all to my work. If I’m writing a scene, I am lost in the zone of that scene so thoroughly that I don’t notice where I am or what time it is in the real world. This quirk has gotten me into many difficulties when I start writing close to times of appointments, meetings, or social engagements. I have to restrain myself from sitting down to work within an hour of any of the above.
The same is true when I’m spending time with friends or family. I give my full attention to them and strive to cherish every moment. Having been deprived of social interactions for so long, due to the pandemic, I appreciate in-person get-togethers more than ever. I don’t check my phone for messages or daydream about possible plot twists. I don’t lurk on the fringes; I jump into the middle with my whole heart. I listen, I share, I laugh, I cry. I try to emulate my sheepdog Nana, who gives herself over to her people, completely.
If work and life end up being balanced, that’s a happy coincidence. So how about you? I’d love to hear how you address work-life balance.
Saralyn Richard is an educator and author of five award-winning mystery novels and a children’s book. Visit her at http://saralynrichard.com and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
My work and life priorities seesaw a lot. When they clash, I feel like I’m neglecting one for the other. Instead of stressing over it, I try to live in the moment and enjoy whichever is currently occupying my attention. A balancing act, for sure, Saralyn!
I like the seesaw metaphor. So true.
When I work, I get into the “zone” and time passes without me noticing. The good thing is that I’m not a dedicated worker :).
Methinks thou doth protest too much!
I with get into a zone when I’m writing, but it’s not an easy thing for me to do. In fact, any kind of concentration is tough for me, but once I’m concentrating, bombs can go off…
Thanks for commenting. You must work hard at it, because you are so prolific!
Saralyn, I LOVE this post! I’ve always wanted to balance my work and personal lives and to date I have not achieved it though I keep trying! I also focus completely on what I’m doing whether it’s visiting family/friends, vacation, or work. And all of these aspects of my life are important to me! Balance? Maybe someday!
Thanks for commenting, Kathryn. We are two gals cut from the same cloth.
Balance what and
What?
Squirrel.
Where was I?
Oh yes, you asked…
Wait! Was that a
squirrel?
Saralyn, we must’ve been separated at birth. You describe exactly what my problem is. I’m being tugged with so much family responsibilities I don’t enjoy being tugged away from my writing! Excellent post!
I’m afraid I’ve never managed to figure out the secret to work/live balance. I think it’s because my characters are extremely demanding, and they often resort to blackmail. If I don’t spend enough time with them, they threaten to kidnap my muse.
It’s a tough balance isn’t it? Gah, I’m always trying to squeeze in enough writing time! Thanks for the post, Saralyn!!