| 23 July 2009
We’ve all heard different work-life balance experts and commentators regurgitate the same old clichéd advice, “You should work to live and not live to work.” But when you think about it, it would have to be one of the more ridiculous statements bandied about the public arena.
Do these supposed work-life balance experts that parrot this idealistic mantra belief that the occupation that you choose should be a sidelight in your life? Is your work really some evil dastardly villain that steals all your time and the possibility of any joy or fulfillment outside its walls?
I have seen people that abide by the “work to live, don’t live to work” ethos. They put no pride or passion into their work. If their robotic mind happens to show any signs of expression it is usually limited to a consistent scowl of displeasure across painted across their faces. When they are at work they just go through the motions with their mind continually focused on anything but work. The loss of productivity that occurs when we are at work but not really there is called presenteeism. Presenteeism is one of the mostly productivity drains to business.
For those “work to live, don’t live to work” disciples, here is a novel concept. Consider the possibility that your work is actually a part of your life and living is not confined to times when you are not working. You can get enjoyment, fulfillment and make a difference to other people when you are working. But to experience that you need to put some life into your work. Look at how your work is an opportunity to make a difference to your clients and for goodness sake, show a bit of passion and pride in what you do.
I can hear all the workaholics cheering me on in agreement but workaholics are just as imbalanced as the “work to live, don’t live to work” brigade. Workaholics have mastered the art of finding enjoyment and fulfillment in their work. They exhibit discipline, focus and a great deal of pride in their work. But for some reason, as soon as they go home, all that pride, focus and passion disappears. When they are home, their mind drifts back to their work and they go through the motions at home.
Workaholics need to put work into their life and those that “work to live” need to put life into their work. The key is to be present. When you are at work, be at work mentally. When you are at home, be at home mentally. Remove the cloud of disconnection from around you. If you remain disconnected at work, it is likely that you’ll lose your job. If you remain disconnected around your home and family, the chances are that they’ll move on too.
Sure, it’s okay to do some work during breaks at home and also to touch base with your friends and family during breaks at work. But rather than separating your work and family life as these separate entities that you have to equally balance consider uniting them. What I mean by that is regarding work life as one thing.
You may be wondering how to make work life one thing?
The answer is simple: put life into your work and work on your health and your life.
So you see, the paradox in having an ideal work life balance is in the realization that there is actually nothing to balance...
When you put life into your work and work on your health and your life what you have left is healthy life that works.
