TLDR
Teachable Moment: Embrace the ebb-and-flow of work and life rather than seeking a perfect balance.
The Problem
There's often a cloud of ambiguity surrounding the idea of work-life balance as a manager.
You might catch yourself sending work emails during your kid's soccer game or even brainstorming for the next team meeting while you should be enjoying dinner with your family.
At first, it seems like a small sacrifice for your career and the team's greater good.
But as time passes, you start to notice that you're not just stealing moments away from your personal life; you're also feeling more stressed, less effective at your job, and generally less fulfilled.
Ignoring this isn't just an oversight; it's a high-risk gamble that puts both your professional and personal well-being on the line.
The Solution
Forget the traditional notion of work-life balance as an immutable, 50-50 split between your job and personal life.
Instead, consider adopting an ebb-and-flow mentality.
When crunch times arrive, you'll need to give your job your full throttle.
It's essential to communicate this to your family and friends so they understand why you might be less accessible for a period.
Make it clear that this work surge is not a permanent state but a temporary necessity.
When work slows down a bit, take advantage of the lull to focus on your personal life.
Spend quality time with your loved ones, delve into hobbies, or just relax and recharge.
Use this time to ensure that your emotional well-being is also getting the attention it deserves.
By flexing in the right ways at the right times, you navigate the complexities of work and life without feeling like you're shortchanging, either.
Keep learning,
The New Manager OS Team