Redefining work-life balance: It's not about 50/50, it's about you.
Work-life balance gets a lot of bad rep these days. Some people say it’s a myth, others claim it’s impossible and some even argue we shouldn’t bother trying. But here’s the thing: what’s truly impossible is trying to separate your life into two equal parts - work and life. What’s unattainable is trying to dedicate equal amounts of energy, attention and effort to both work and life.
The idea of work-life balance is not flawed; it’s the concept of a rigid 50/50 split that doesn’t serve us.
I’m no math whizz, but I can tell you there are many ways to reach 100! Let me explain:
It’s all about the season you're in
Let’s take a moment to reflect: Life is made up of seasons and each season requires a different level of attention. If you’re in a phase of growth and development in your career, maybe you’re on the verge of a major promotion or stepping into a more senior role, it’s likely that your intention is to dedicate more time and energy to work. Sure, you might not be able to see your family as much during this time, but here’s the key: that’s a choice, not a sacrifice. You are choosing this focus because it aligns with your current priorities and goals.
In this season, your work/life balance formula might look something like 70/30 - 70% of your energy is focused on work, while 30% goes to life. And guess what? There’s nothing wrong with that.
Now, let’s look at a different scenario. Perhaps you’ve just welcomed a new addition to your family or started a new chapter in your personal life. Naturally, you may want to spend more time at home, nurturing your family and adjusting to this new phase. In this case, your formula could shift to 90/10 - 90% of your attention on family and just 10% on work. And again, if you’re at peace with this decision, then who is to say this is “out of balance”?
Unfortunately, society often tells us as working mums that we must show up everywhere and be perfect in every role. This creates feelings of guilt. We feel guilty when we miss bedtime stories because of a late work meeting. Or we feel “behind” when we decide to carve out time for our families, instead of staying at the office.
But here’s the truth: The old paradigm of 50/50 work-life balance is outdated and unrealistic. True work-life balance is about figuring out your personal formula for success. It’s about creating a life that feels whole, fulfilling and content for you. One that works for both your career and your family, even if the equation doesn’t always add up equally.
Let go of the pressure
It’s time to let go of the societal pressure to be “perfect” in every role. You don’t need to split yourself 50/50 to be successful. Instead, embrace the seasons of your life and trust that your balance will look different at different times. You are allowed to shift focus as your priorities change and you are allowed to feel good about the decisions you make.
Here are a few questions that can help you cut through the pressure, judgment or criticism and embrace your own version of work-life balance:
What season of your life are you in right now?
How do you define success in this season of your life?
What would your future self, five years from now, tell you about this season?
If you weren’t trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, what would your balance look like?
What do you need more of in your life right now? Time, space, support, rest or something else?
These questions invite you to reflect on your own needs and desires rather than seeking external validation. Your work-life balance should be your way of reaching 100. A life that makes you feel whole, fulfilled and aligned with your personal and professional goals.
The new paradigm: Balance is personal
Work-life balance isn’t about dividing your time or energy into equal parts. It’s about adjusting your focus to suit the season you’re in, the goals you have and the values that matter most to you. Whether that means investing more time in work or family, the balance you create should make you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
The secret to work-life balance is simple: It’s your life, your balance and your choice.
