3. Life–work balance
We always need to be aware of how we balance life outside of work with life at work. There are times when you have to prioritise work. That is why you will hear some women in the videos using the term ‘work-life balance’. However, it is important to be realistic about other things we love doing which might limit our career choices. That is why we use the term ‘life–work balance’, because life should come before work.
While you watch the video that comes next, think about what each woman says about her own life–work balance and the people, things and limits in her personal situation. How did each woman choose a career which fitted into her life? Did she do anything to change the limits she faced?
Think about whether any of these issues apply to you. You can take notes if you like.
Your life–work balance
The stories and experiences of the women in the video should help you to think what you can do and what you can’t do in your life at the moment. They should also help you to see how you might change some of the limits.
Having a realistic idea about your own situation allows you to make good career choices. Also, it can help you to see where you can make changes to follow a career which really interests you.
Use the questions from the video to think about the factors in your life–work balance. Then think about how you can take them into account in choosing a career, but also whether you can change any of them. You can also download this table to help.
'My life-work balance' activity sheet [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
In Section 4, we move to looking at you as a person and what kind of career you might enjoy the most.
2. Your life so far