Finding Work-Life Balance: My Journey to Being Present
In today’s fast-paced world, work-life balance can feel like an elusive dream. We strive to be present in every moment, but between deadlines, emails, and personal obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I know this struggle all too well.
When I first graduated with my master’s degree, I became a workhorse. I was dedicated to my profession, working over 60 hours a week without pause. For two years, I poured everything into my job. Then came the inevitable burnout. I knew I couldn’t keep up this pace forever, and I desperately needed a change.
After I had kids, I switched jobs and was able to get away from weekend work. That alone made a huge difference, but I was still guilty of taking my work home with me. Every spare moment was consumed by thoughts of tasks left undone. Now, 10 years later, I’ve found a balance that works for me, and I want to share some tips that have helped me along the way.
1. Protect Your Family Time
For me, the weekends are sacred. The kids are off, my husband’s off, and we can really be together. I make a conscious effort to turn off work when I’m at home. I try not to check emails or Teams messages, and while I’ve gotten pretty good at this, I still allow exceptions when there’s a big deadline. Thankfully, in my current role, nothing is so urgent that it can’t wait until Monday. The key here is to set boundaries that work for you and your family.
2. Be Present in the Moment
This was a tough one for me. Even when I was with my family, my mind would often race with everything I had to do. It felt like I was never really present. I found that simple grounding techniques, like taking 60 seconds for deep breathing, help me focus on the present moment. This strategy has been a game-changer, making me feel more connected to my family and slowing down time in a meaningful way.
3. Find a Job that Values Family Time
One of the biggest factors in achieving balance has been finding a job with a boss who truly values family. I’m so grateful that my current leaders cherish family time. Is your kid sick? Go home. No questions asked. This is something I now look for in any job, and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to work for people who respect your need for balance and the importance of family.
4. It’s Okay to Love Both
I absolutely love my job and my family, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to love both, as long as you prioritize what matters most. You can’t let work consume you because, at the end of the day, family is irreplaceable. Your job could find someone new tomorrow, but your family is with you for life. My family is my purpose — raising my children to be good humans and being a loving wife is my reason for being. And though I’m passionate about my work and making the world a better place for my patients, that all starts with being present and fulfilled at home.
5. Balance is a Beautiful Thing
Now, I can truly say I’ve found peace with my balance. It’s not perfect, but I’ve learned that balance is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continually adjusting to what works best for you and your loved ones. Finding this harmony between my personal and professional life has allowed me to serve both my family and my work more fully.
In the end, family is what’s most important. For me, my husband, my kids, and our time together are the core of my life. They are the foundation that allows me to do everything else I care about. And when I nurture that foundation, everything else falls into place.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work, take a step back and find your balance. It’s not only possible but essential for living a full and joyful life.
