Balancing work life…or is it balancing life and work?
For some, this can be a lifelong practice and a series of unexpected reversals at times…it is crucial we think of all the moving parts of our lives if we want contentment.
Having a family is the most dramatic example of this and how do you eat an employer’s thinking that you won’t run out the door at the first signs of a runny nose?
Employers hold the key to our security so we must, at times…play along to get along and if this means choosing our battles carefully, so be it.
I think of it as surfing…and employer wants to join you on the least number of waves as possible!
They can talk about how the company is family, we are only as good as our employees, etc…but when push comes to shove..how can we be any good to them if we are not in good working order ourselves?
They expect you to participate in after hour activity…. They don’t seem to care if you have to leave early to pick someone up at the airport…
They know your kid has a high temperature and may need immediate attention…but you have a project due…
You were the employee of the month for half the year…but what have you done lately….
These are some of the most common stresses at work and it all comes down to one thing…we are valued contributors when we produce work they can sell but we are not easily absorbed into the budget when we cost them time or money.
People can often throw out their ultimatums and test their employee or employer and we can agitate them and do irreparable harm if we are not careful but the wisest thing to do in my experience is to remember…they win…that is the default…when I win..that is the exception…why?
Because I am easier to replace than I think I am…and if I am a senior staff member than I am eagerly removed to be replaced by a lower salary…and they can worry about experience later.One of my examples was the time I had a huge problem with my mouth (keep your jokes to yourself please)..I required dental surgery that would alleviate the pain and suffering but it meant I would miss two days and be sore and non talkative for a few more days beyond that.
I had insurance and it would pay for it…I approached my boss confidently and said the following:
“I have just turned in the contract, complete with deposit on the largest deal this company has done in the office division…and this might be in the top ten all time overall if we count the restaurant division” “I need to attend to some dental work because it is affecting my eating and sleeping and it will be getting worse if I ignore it”He looked at me thoughtfully…and sadly shook his head…he said I am a racehorse…and I do my company no good whatsoever if I stay in the stable.
I acknowledged that my month of revenue was a nice surprise but I had plenty of pending business to mature into the next month and the numbers will be okay…
He wouldn’t budge…I was not the same after that…and I later resigned over something quite minor…but I need to remember…they have a business to run..and that is their view…I have a life to run…that is my view…but I need them more than they need me. Work life written by Ken Bownes
