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What does 'work-life balance' mean to you? Have you achieved it? Is it something that you promote? If so, how? What specific steps, techniques, tips, and/or stories do you have to offer? Since this is all about sharing, communicating, and learning from each other, what are those nuggets of wisdom you'd like to share on the subject? I'm sure we've all learned a thing-or-two in pursuit of this ever-elusive balancing act between career, education, family, community, etc., etc. So, what've you learned over the years? What would you do differently if you could do it all over again? Well, this should be a thoroughly interesting and informative discussion, so pull up a keyboard and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
Family
Military Career
Community
Education
Civilian Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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I go to work. I'm still alive. I'm gonna call that a win. <div><br></div><div>Seriously, though.... While I have loved my time in command, I am really looking forward to passing to colors in just under 4 weeks. It has been a second full-time job. I can't wait for my new staff assignment, a mere 746 miles from my house!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Probably my biggest recommendation - remember that person who told you that you had to finish everything you start? Build a time machine, go back, strangle them. The only thing that kept me sane over the last two years was developing an acceptance that it was ok to drop the less important to focus on the more important. </div>
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LCpl Rick Ponton
TAKE TIME TO REJOICE SMILE LAUGH SING DANCE SHOUT SHOUT OUT LOUD SHOUT OUT TO GOD CRY OUT TO JESUS WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO OOH RAH!!!!!!! YIPPI
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Great question! I was not very good at the work-life balance concept for many years. I would leave work after a 10 hour work day, drive home thinking about work, and then get home - and think about work. I've literally woke up in the middle of the night thinking about something that needed done in the office and have actually e-mailed myself at work so that I wouldn't forget to do it. Unfortunately, the stress caught up with me and I had to cautiously "step back" and remember what I was working so hard for: My family. I am obviously very passionate about what I do, and I work very hard, but I've learned to work hard while at work. Now when I am at home, I make sure to spend quality time with my wife and daughter. This is not only to ensure I am being a caring, loving father and husband, but it also allows me to properly "recharge and re-energize." I find that in the end, I am actually even more effective at work. I had no specific technique in making the change, other than putting my mind to it and making the decision to separate the two.
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CPT (Join to see)
MSgt, your response is great!
I learned that spending time, and spending quality time are two different things. I had the same realization. I had to remind myself that the reason I worked so hard was my family, and it would be stupid to lose my bond with my family in the process of providing for them.
I too agree that it is easier to be more productive at work, and much more motivated and positive when the balance is there.
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It is my belief that finding the "work-life balance" is a myth. No matter what I'm doing, I always feel the "pull" to do something else. The real struggle is being "present" in the moment. I found this blog very helpful: http://www.markmerrill.com/.../be-present-not-balanced-stop-trying-to-live-a-well- balanced-life/.
Be Present, Not Balanced: Stop Trying to Live a Well-Balanced Life
My wife, Susan, traveled to Birmingham a few weeks ago to visit our daughter, Megan. They had a fun girls’ day that included taking a pure barre class, which I have since learned is a ballet-inspired workout designed to build muscles like dancers. And it requires some ability to balance, which is hard to […]
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