3. Work–life balance
We always need to be aware of how we balance life outside of work with life at work. It is important to be realistic about other things we love doing which might limit our career choices. Sometimes life should come before work. Other times you have to prioritise work. We use the term ‘work–life balance’ to help you to think about the time you dedicate to work and the time you spend on other activities in your life.
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 work–life 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 work–life 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 work-life 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