Chapter 38: Role Of Values in Work-Life Balance: Restoring Harmony and Reclaiming Purpose

I begin this chapter with words of wisdom from John Ruskin, English writer and critic of art, architecture, and society, 1819-1900, who at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution said: “In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: they must be fit for it, they must not do too much of it, and they must have a sense of success in it” (cited in Thinkexist.com., 2011, para. 1). There was a time in my life when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today however, and if I were to allow it to happen, the expectations of my work could easily invade my personal life and take complete control. Having spent 29 years in the work force I continue to battle the work-life balance. I do believe however that my work-life balance isn’t out of reach and as a result I engage in regular evaluations of my relationship to my work. And yes, I continue to strive for ways to strike a healthier balance by engaging in meaningful daily accomplishments and enjoyment in my life around work, family, friends, and self. And I think that’s true for all of us. McDaniel (2011) said it best: “Life will deliver the value and balance we desire ... when we are achieving and enjoying something every single day ... in «//the important areas that make up our lives” (p. 2). To quote Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” (cited in quotedb.com., 2012)