Work-Life Balance: Is It Possible?
By: Arianna Guerra
Balance. It is a word that many people use, but hardly anyone effectively achieves. We criticize people for being workaholics if they’re too focused on their jobs, and lazy if they seem to neglect responsibilities. So, can we even achieve this balancing act?
When I think of balance, I think back to the riddle: Which is heavier, 100 pounds of feathers or 100 pounds of rocks? Most people believe the latter weighs more than feathers, but if you think about it, they both weigh the same.
I feel that this riddle truly encapsulates how we, as humans, see balance. We love to believe that we have a perfect work-life balance, but in reality, certain priorities tip the scale in favor of one side over the other.
Many factors influence our daily decisions, causing us to prioritize certain events and projects while putting other assignments on the back burner. Don’t believe me? Research says otherwise.
According to a Deloitte workplace study, 77% of Americans find themselves burned out in their jobs; however, 72% of job seekers say they weigh the feasibility of work-life balance when considering a position (Deloitte, 2015; Statistica). So how is it that people say they want balance yet find themselves in a rabbit hole of work until they are physically exhausted and burnt out?
My simple answer: it’s human nature. So often, I find myself balancing too many responsibilities without considering my time constraints. It’s as if I see myself as Wonder Woman, but alas, that is far from the truth. Taking on too many responsibilities is a burden and can easily convert personal joy into deep frustration.
Having found myself in this position year after year, I decided to change this toxic cycle. And so far, I have been happier and less burdened by my responsibilities.
What is the secret: a book.
Sounds anticlimactic after all that build, right?
Well, it wasn’t until Nick Bonanno, ILC Assistant Director of the Assessment and Research Team, asked me one question: “Where do you see yourself in one year?"
That one question led me to spiral into talking about my plans to take the MCAT in my junior year and take a CNA course over winter break to gain patient experience and prepare for summer opportunities, either in research or toward my CNA certification.
All these things, which seemed overwhelming, allowed Nick to find me a book that perfectly encapsulates my problem: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans.
I never really imagined it would be possible to find a book that perfectly captures the essence of my struggle with balance
I’ve been reading this book for three weeks now, and it has sparked a 180-degree-flip in my perspective. Instead of focusing on how draining my life can be, I’ve shifted my thoughts to asking, 'How can I make an unenjoyable task more fulfilling and less energy consuming?
By changing my mindset, I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life and practice gratitude for every waking moment.
Reference: 10 Statistics on Work-Life Balance That May Surprise You (2023 ) (apollotechnical.com)
