15 JUL - 2023
You can't pour from an empty fucking cup.
Alright, Chums, gather 'round, 'cause we're about to dive deep into the bullshit myth that's been haunting us for way too long: work-life balance. You know what I'm talking about. That elusive concept that makes us believe we can have it all – a kick-ass career, a thriving personal life, and enough time to binge-watch our favourite shows without feeling guilty. Well, spoiler alert: it's all a load of crap. So buckle up and get ready for a reality check.
We're expected to give our 100% at work, even if it means sacrificing our sanity and personal lives. We're constantly bombarded with emails, meetings, and deadlines that never seem to end. And let's not forget those bosses who think we should be available 24/7 like some sort of workaholic superheroes. Newsflash: we're human, not machines! It's high time we stop glorifying workaholism and start defining what boundaries need to be in place.
The other side of the equation is our personal lives. Remember that? Yeah, those relationships with family and friends that get neglected while we're busy trying to climb the corporate ladder. How booking a half week to be a bridesmaid for your best friend can also feel like you’re now on the cusp of your manager’s hit list. So often, we are made to feel guilty for prioritising our loved ones or taking time for ourselves. But guess what? It's perfectly okay to say “absolutely not” to that extra hour at the office and “say less” to grabbing a drink with your bestie. Life is too short to let work consume every waking moment. You can't pour from an empty fucking cup.
Setting Boundaries, Baby
So, how the hell do we navigate this messy work-life shitshow? It's all about setting boundaries. It's about having the balls to say “no” when work tries to encroach on your personal time. It's about establishing clear expectations with your boss and colleagues. And most importantly, it's about learning to prioritise your own well-being. No more sacrificing sleep, hobbies, or self-care for the sake of some corporate ladder that doesn't care about your happiness. Take back control, baby!
Now, I'm not saying it's easy. There will be days when work takes over, and there will be days when life demands our full attention. But let’s be real, life is messy, and it doesn't come in neat little compartments. Some days, work will be the priority, and other days, it will take a backseat. Before signing onto a new and demanding position and before you start being a yes girl to every waking task, I urge you to keep in mind that you need to come first. And that is okay.
Prioritising Self-Care
In this mad world, it's crucial to prioritise self-care. Yeah, I'm talking about those moments when you realise that your eyebags are darkening in hue and taking a deep breath feels harsh in your chest - these are your signs that you need to take some ‘me time.’ Going for a run, meditating, or indulging in a pint of ice cream, whatever floats your boat, make sure you take the time to recharge your batteries and give yourself the love you deserve. You can't give your best at work or in life if you're running on empty.
Finding Some Zen
Living life on your own terms is what I’m trying to get at here. Work-life balance is a myth. Your priorities are different to Sarah’s and Sarah’s are different to Emma’s. Overworking while attaining your commitments will set you up for burnout and disappointment. Instead, let's focus on finding our own version of zen. It's about knowing your priorities, setting boundaries, and embracing the messy, beautiful chaos that is life. At the end of the day, it's not about balance, it's about finding what makes you happy and living the shit out of it.
Cheers to that!
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