Chapter 13: One Family, Different Perspectives on Work-Life Balance

I had to laugh when I was invited to write a chapter about work-life balance. Whenever I mentioned the article to others, they laughed too. I am not even sure what it means for our work and lives to be in balance. I frequently feel as though I do a horrible job of keeping work and life in balance; I work on weekends more often than not, I bring work home in the evenings, and I am writing this chapter in the car on our way to spend a long weekend with family. I could write story after story about times when I felt out of balance. I have been a full-time mom at home, lived apart from my family for a full year, and struggled with everything in between. When I asked myself when I felt like my work-life balance was just right, my mind went blank. I really did not have a clear answer. As I further considered how to approach this project, I felt a deep curiosity about how my family would respond to questions about work-life balance. I decided to interview my husband and two daughters, reflect on their responses, and see what I might learn. I interviewed each family member during the spring of 2011 using these questions:

• In our family, was there a time when you felt like we got the balance between our lives and work right? When was that? I really want to hear whatever details come to you. Was there a time that popped to mind as soon as you heard the question? I want to hear that and any others that come to mind.

• As you think about work-life balance in your life, what is most important to you?

• What conditions might best support a healthy work-life balance?