The lockdown phase of the pandemic was a turning point for one career coach, who found balance in her work-life design after a painful wake-up call. As an attorney at a big law firm, she was dealing with around-the-clock work emergencies while working from home. However, during a conference call, she overheard her 18-month-old daughter say, 'I miss mommy.' This moment made her realize that although she was physically present, she was not truly available to her daughter. Determined to be a more present mother, she decided to make changes in her work-life design.
Work-life design is the blueprint for integrating one's career and personal life to build meaning and fulfillment. Research has shown that women who engage in 'job crafting' by tailoring their jobs to their personal needs are more likely to report higher levels of work-family balance and job satisfaction. As a career coach, the attorney advises corporate moms struggling to balance work and family obligations to evaluate their work-life design.
To begin the process of re-evaluating work-life design, it is important to create space for reflection and destressing. Mental exhaustion can impair critical and creative thinking, which is essential for personal and organizational success. Taking advantage of resources like sabbatical leave can provide the necessary time to reimagine one's career. If sabbatical leave is not available, setting aside solo time for reflection and connecting with inner thoughts can be beneficial.
The attorney suggests starting the evaluation process by focusing on work and career. An exercise she uses with her clients involves creating an inventory of past and present jobs, hobbies, and volunteer efforts. By identifying common themes, individuals can gain insights into their passions and strengths. The next step is to ask detailed questions about home life and parenting goals, considering how these align with career aspirations.
Once individuals have a clear understanding of their values and aspirations, they can create non-negotiables to guide their work-life design. This may involve changes to work schedules, home life, or personal habits and routines. For example, the attorney realized she was delegating the part of family life she wanted to be more involved in, so she re-allocated childcare resources to help with household chores. She also set boundaries around her work schedule to prioritize time with her daughter.
Implementing these changes requires taking action. Whether it's scheduling a meeting with a manager or setting boundaries, even small steps can bring a sense of control and improve job satisfaction. It's important to remember that work-life design is not fixed and will evolve over time. Regular re-evaluation and flexibility are key to maintaining balance and achieving success in both work and parenthood.
