Most companies I’ve worked for have talked about maintaining a work/life balance. In other words, do whatever it takes to get the job done regardless of family, friends or outside hobbies. I’m always skeptical when I hear a company preach balance because they can’t possibly know what “balance” means for every single employee. It’s an HR buzzword.
I used to believe it was the job or company that dictated how much balance, if any, existed. If I could just find the right position or the right company, magically everything would come into focus and my family would be given the same priority as my work required.
I was dead wrong. It’s not the company. It’s not the position. It’s me. It’s how I manage the job, not how the job manages me. It’s setting expectations right from the starts with my manager, my reports on when I’ll be available and what hours I will work. Over the past few years I’ve found that nearly every manager has been accommodating to my desired schedule.
Some weeks I do better at managing my work load and family time. But now I know I’m in charge rather than the job or the company.
Nordquist Blog 
You’re entirely right. As I’ve been thinking about this topic a great deal in the past few years–and worked hard not to let work overwhelm all over Yes’s in my life–I realize it comes down to my decisions. Even though I work in a caring profession, I still realize that no one (not even my supervisor or my board) really knows–or is entirely interested–in whether they are asking too much. In fact, the usual mode is to reward me when I do too much too at work. So I have to say No to the demands of work regularly to say Yes to my family, to my friends, and to my own renewal.
Thanks for your comments. Where else (what other blogs) do you look for insight on work/life balance?
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