Many talk about work/life balance and strive toward it but few have found an acceptable definition of the concept. The word “balance” can be a bit deceptive here. When we think of balance we think of equality or an even number on either side of an equation, but when it comes to our time, our work life and personal life, we cannot think of balance in those terms. Here, there is no such thing. This is so because we simply cannot schedule an equal number of hours for work and for our personal life. Balance in this sense is not static as it may normally be depicted with scales perfectly aligned. What people call “work-life balance” I see as harmony. Life, is dynamic, more like a symphony; harmonious with various pieces coming together as one to make beautiful music.
Having that harmony present supports you when it comes to getting things done, keeps you healthy and keeps those in your life happy too. So then, the question becomes, “How do you get there?” To initiate the process, it’s important to know what you want your life to look like. Ask yourself what harmony would look like in your life and figure out what you want to create. Determine amounts of time you want to give to each area based upon what you want to make happen. Be sure to consider all of the instruments that are a part of your symphony of life. The reality is that things in our lives shift from time to time based upon the roles we play. We as conductors have to be mindful of those shifts in order to maintain that harmony. Otherwise, life does not work.