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Work-Life Balance: A Personal Guide to Finding Your Formula


As the founder of Advize and someone who's navigated the complexities of career development, I want to share my perspective on one of the most challenging aspects of modern professional life: achieving work-life balance. This isn't your typical how-to guide because, frankly, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.


The Work-Life Balance Debate

Let's address the elephant in the room: most of us spend the majority of our waking hours working. In today's world of remote work opportunities and constant connectivity, the lines between professional and personal life have become increasingly blurred. Some argue that true balance doesn't exist, while others insist that work and life should remain entirely separate domains.


My Journey to Balance

I'll be honest – I haven't always gotten this right. My career path has included periods of overwhelming work demands, high anxiety, and feeling completely burnt out. These experiences ultimately led me to:


  • Pursue career guidance as a coach

  • Make significant life changes

  • Get my MBA

  • Become my own boss


Through this journey, I've learned that creating balance isn't about following someone else's formula – it's about discovering what works for you.


Non-Negotiables for Sustainable Success

After years of trial and error in various career opportunities, here are my personal non-negotiables:


  1. Physical Well-being

    • 8 hours of sleep (non-negotiable - yes, even when working full-time in business school 90% of the time)

    • Working out 3 times weekly (minimum)

    • Daily movement of some kind

    • Healthy, mindful eating habits


  2. Mental Health

    • Scheduled fun activities

    • Regular friend dates

    • Quality time with partner

    • Family connection time

    • No phone in bedroom during sleep hours


Finding Your Personal Formula

Your approach to balance might look completely different from mine, and that's okay. Consider these factors when developing your own strategy:


For the Work-Focused Professional

If you're like me and naturally gravitate toward intense career growth, you need to be especially mindful of:


  • Setting clear boundaries

  • Taking intentional breaks

  • Fueling yourself properly

  • Maintaining effectiveness through rest

  • Regular check-ins with your well-being


For the Clear Separators

If you prefer distinct boundaries between work and personal life:


  • Establish firm working hours

  • Create physical workspace boundaries

  • Develop end-of-day rituals

  • Maintain separate devices if possible

  • Practice saying "no" to after-hours requests


The Remote Work Challenge

The rise of remote work opportunities has added new complexity to the balance equation. Here's how to handle it:


  1. Set Clear Boundaries

    • Establish specific working hours

    • Create a dedicated workspace

    • Use "do not disturb" settings effectively

    • Communicate availability clearly to colleagues


  2. Combat Digital Overwhelm

    • Limit after-hours email checking

    • Turn off non-essential notifications

    • Create screen-free zones in your home

    • Practice digital sunset routines


The Mindfulness Factor

One of the biggest challenges in professional development is maintaining presence. When you're home:


  • Be fully present with family/friends

  • Engage meaningfully with your environment

  • Limit mindless screen time

  • Practice active relaxation


Emergency vs. Urgency

In our always-connected world, it's crucial to distinguish between:


  • True emergencies (rare)

  • Perceived urgencies (common)

  • Regular work matters (can wait)


Remember: If it's truly an emergency, your boss will call.


Key Principles for Sustainable Balance


  1. Define Your Values

    • What matters most to you?

    • What energizes you?

    • What depletes you?

    • What does success look like for you?


  2. Set Boundaries

    • With work demands

    • With technology

    • With yourself

    • With others' expectations


  3. Maintain Health Priorities

    • Physical well-being

    • Mental health

    • Emotional balance

    • Social connections

    • Daily (or almost daily) meditation


The Bottom Line

Your journey to work-life balance is personal and will evolve throughout your career journey. The goal isn't perfection; it's creating a sustainable approach that allows you to:


  • Perform effectively at work

  • Maintain personal well-being

  • Enjoy life beyond your career

  • Sustain long-term success


Remember: Both your work and personal life suffer when you're depleted. Investing in balance isn't selfish – it's essential for sustainable career success and personal fulfillment.


Looking Ahead

As you navigate your own career path, remember that finding balance is an ongoing process. What works today might need adjustment tomorrow. Stay tuned to your needs, be willing to adapt, and most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.


At Advize, we're committed to helping professionals like you navigate these crucial aspects of career development. Because success isn't just about climbing the ladder – it's about building a life you love at every level.


Remember, without your health you can't work, live or do anything at all. The richest person in the world would pay all of their money to keep them from dying tomorrow and be out of pain if they had the choice and had to make that decision...


Emily McSherry

CEO Advize

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