I recently went to an interesting seminar called Women in the Mix.  It wasn’t about the elusive work-life balance that seems so unattainable.  It was more about what is your perfect “Mix” of: Family, Community, Work, House, and Self that feels good and fits with the time in your life.
Your life “Mix” changes during different periods of your life.  The theme for most of the women I met there, was that before getting married and having children, work was a BIG part of their “Mix”.  Once they started a family, values started to shift and working 50-60 hours a week wasn’t part of their “Mix” anymore.  Unfortunately. the American workplace is not very “family” friendly, “flexible” hours and working part-time is career suicide.   Many women end up leaving the workplace, or starting their own businesses.
Not everyone has that luxury.  What is the solution?  Ultimately, I think we need to have a cultural shift.  Rather than ostracize part-time and flexible work schedules, embrace and value having an employee that is happy, healthy and living their perfect “Mix.”  I personally believe that fostering a work environment that supports your staff in attaining the perfect work “Mix”, means more productive, creative and loyal employees.  It feels like a win win all around.
I believe there is a shift that is happening… with so many women that have burned out and are now advocating for change.  Here are some recent books that speak to this change:

  • Maxed Out, American Women on the Brink by Katrian Alcorn
  • All Joy and No Fun the Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior
  • Overwhelmed- Work, Love, and Play when no one has time by Brigid Schulte
  • Thrive, The Third Metric to Refining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom and Wonder by Arianna Huffington

I hold a vision that our culture will change over time, and allow our children and grandchildren more flexibility.  With it will come more options for women and men that are looking for their perfect “Mix” Which for many, means doing fulfilling, rewarding and intellectually stimulating work, part-time.
Here’s to finding and achieving your “Work Life Five.”
To your health,