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:
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
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:
Set Clear Boundaries
Establish specific working hours
Create a dedicated workspace
Use "do not disturb" settings effectively
Communicate availability clearly to colleagues
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
Define Your Values
What matters most to you?
What energizes you?
What depletes you?
What does success look like for you?
Set Boundaries
With work demands
With technology
With yourself
With others' expectations
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