Work Life Balance
Physician, Heal Thyself?
This is another small business owner post from Paul Hassing.
Some people hate their work.
Some like it, but seek to balance it with life.
For others, work and play are one.
I imagine the third group is happiest and healthiest, but I'd like to know.
Funny How It Goes
I once got a lift with a professional cleaning couple. Their van was knee deep in crud. Yet I'd seen their work and it was flawless.
When I asked about the disparity, the husband replied 'We clean all day, we no want to clean after: you should see our house!'
When I asked a traditional teppanyaki chef if he got to eat at his place of work, he replied that he always bought Hungry Jacks on the way home!
The teppanyaki kit his girlfriend gave him was still in its box. He explained that after looking at teppanyaki all day, he couldn't face it in his free time.
My friend loves her managerial job, but wishes she could shut the door at 6.00 pm to be with her family, friends and hobbies.
Instead, work follows her everywhere, pervading her nights, weekends and even holidays.
An extraordinary lady I know uses horses to heal and teach people. In the two days I spent analysing her business, I found not one gap between her work and her passion.
Her life is seamless, her contentment absolute.
As I composed this lens, I saw this tweet: 'Am about to tackle my Twitter page design-wise. This is my day job so why do I find it so daunting?'
Why indeed.
At Christmas I got a newsy letter from an auntie; I still haven't written back. My wife says I write the best greeting cards; I cringe when she hands me one.
My World Vision kids haven't had a note from me in 18 months, despite my promise.
I'm a writer; why do I commit these literary sins?
I love writing, but not in my spare time. Though I do write at odd hours if I'm in the mood. I don't really fit the categories above.
So I'd like to know:
1. How do you feel about your work or business?
2. Should work/life separation be full, partial or zero?
3. Is the adage 'Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life' true?
I warmly invite your stories and thoughts.
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire.
Your View
How's your work/life balance?
Links
- The Feisty Empire
Paul Hassing's high-end blogging, copywriting, editing and proofreading services website.