My Dad and Niece Mia enjoying a little "Life" Time.
The concept of work/life balance really doesn't exist. Let me show you a little math....
Before Work
4:00 AM start to the day - Workout, breakfast, get ready for work, wake up Miles and get him ready for daycare. Out the door by 7:00 AM.
3 Hours X 5 Days a week = 15 Hours of "Life"
Hidden Math - How many times did I check my work email during this morning routine or check my calendar/prep for a meeting??
Work
8:00 AM is the "start" time for work, depending on the day we may start at 7:30. There is no real lunch break as I work through eating whatever boring meal I brought. I don't take breaks, even though I should. On a good day I end at 4:30 PM. However, the reality is typically 5:00 PM
9 Hours X 5 Days = 45 Hours of "Work"
Hidden Math = Typically there is at least one evening meeting or event, so let's just tack on 5 hours at least here.
After Work
5:30 PM Daycare Pickup - If things don't run over. The evening consists of dinner, play time , bath time, and then bed time...by 7:30 on a good night. This is sacred time to me. I try not to email, text, or work during this time.
2 Hours X 5 Days = 10 Hours of "Life"
From 7:30 - Until I go to bed I typically turn on my computer and work, email, invoicing, texting co-workers, working on social media outlets. On a good night I am in bed by 10:30 PM.
3 Hours X 5 Days = 15 Hours of "Work"
SLEEP - Let's say I actually get 6 hours of sleep....
6 Hours X 5 Days = 30 Hours of SLEEP - This is a required action
Weekends
I typically spend it catching up housework, but more than likely we have birthday parties, plans with friends, tractor pulls, or a race. But here is what I can guarantee. I spend at least an hour to two hours checking email on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, I always spend at least four hours on Sunday working on my weekly materials and newsletter.
Saturday
12 Hours of "Life" Time
2 Hours of "Work" Time
10 Hours SLEEP - Most likely not:)
Sunday
10 Hours of "Life" Time
4 Hours of "Work" Time
10 Hours of SLEEP - Most likely Not:)
Total:
"Work" Time = 71 Hours
"Life" Time = 47 Hours
In speaking about this with my parents, we discussed how the cell phone has not only changed how we work, but also when we work. Technology has almost created a natural instinct in us to become workaholics and so you seen an increasing number of "work/life" balance articles...just like this one:)
Here is what my husband and I have decided for our family.
- It is OK to take vacations, to breath in the moment, and leave technology behind once in awhile.
- We need to examine my math above and see how we can "balance" it for lack of a better term. What can be adjusted, where can we say no both socially and at work, and redefining our family purpose.
- Make family time a focus - even if it is just sitting down to read a book and enjoy the moment.
- This summer we are working on our family unit. Not over scheduling and planning in advance and saying no to social engagements or obligations in lieu of spending time with one another.
Do your Work/Life Math.....What does the result tell you?
