Adding “work” into the life balance equation

Balance.  For most women, this means managing work – to achieve better work/life harmony.

A self-professed contrarian – I flipped this equation around and realized for me, balance meant adding work back into my life.

After the birth of my second child, I made the decision to stay at home for a few years to be active in their young lives.

I layered in activities like managing my stock portfolio, volunteering as Treasurer at my children’s local school and earning a second professional designation (that I barely mention, much less apply).

While not every day at home was perfect, I had the opportunity to be hands on with my kids and was able to maintain a reasonable semblance of control on the home front.

I don’t regret a single day or the decisions that I have made.  I feel lucky to have had the opportunity.

But I’ll confess – I wrestled with my decision to step out of the workforce.

The truth is – I missed my professional life.

So now, I’m back in the saddle, so to speak.  Not to my former professional life in the investment industry but engaged in an entrepreneurial venture that gives me a new challenge everyday, not to mention a bounce in my step.

My daughters (ages 8 and 5 yrs) are old enough to understand I am working again now and that it is important to me.

As we head into September, I realize that some things will change this year.  I can’t possibly be as involved with the children’s school, I’ll loose touch with some of the great moms I used to chat with daily and there will be a lot more short cuts taken at home.

But right now, “work” is a key part of my equation.

Whether your equation needs more or less work – or more or less life – the good news is the choice is yours to make.  And this fall, ‘empowerment’ comes in all shapes and sizes.

And in case you haven’t heard – the ‘mommy wars’ are over.  Having it all means balance.

Kristina Pearce is co-founder of workharmony – an expert in flexible employment.  workharmony offers employers innovative recruiting solutions for companies and non-traditional opportunities for professionals.  Visit Kristina and Deborah at workharmony.ca.