Work-Life Balance

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must drop something to maintain balance. However, the key is to “consciously decide” which to drop without letting go of what is most important (Sinoway, 2012). Most start juggling and walking without completely thinking about what is most valuable in one’s life (Sinoway, 2012). One must consider what he or she values in their life whether it’s family, career, health, wealth, or spiritual. (Sinoway 2012).

Sinoway (2012) concluded that the framework of this article is for one to “understand their limits and make tough trade-offs that can lead to more-satisfying careers and life.” Sinoway argued one cannot do everything perfectly all the time. It is emotionally draining to try to pursue all one’s goals and desires at once (Sinoway, 2012). There may be a time to sacrifice the “family dimension” for the best long-term outcome; and, at another time, may have to channel “personal resources” from career back to the family. Sinoway (2014), assumes one is able to juggle responsibilities to achieve one’s goal if he or she has assessed whether the have the ability to achieve it.

When one considers their needs and wants, gage where it’s level importance on a wants-need spectrum (Sinoway, 2012). Needs, such as food, shelter, and health, are for survival and wants, such as cars, watches, and mansions are more materialistic (Sinoway, 2012). Also consider the cost of a particular benefit and question if it’s worth the effort. Another tool to consider is a trade-off. If life has taken you off course, consider a trade-off when the opportunity rises (Sinoway, 2102).

Article Comparison

These articles both give advice to the work-life balance pursuant to focus on his or her goals. Groysberg and Abrahams (2014) stated one can determine early on what winning looks like and understand that one’s personal definition of success may change over time (p. 60). Sinoway (2012) similarly stated one must assess his or life’s values and understand that “evaluation can and will change.” Both recommend separating one’s focus, whether in the work dimension or life dimension. Groysberg and Abraham’s (2014) suggested one must decide how accessible for work one will be when with family (Groysberg & Abrahams, 2014, p. 62). While Sinoway (2012) suggest staggering goals to be equally successful in the different dimensions.

The articles differ in viewpoints towards work-life balance. In Groysberg & Abrahams’(2014) article, it gave insight from interviews conducted with men and women business professionals. In contrast, Sinoway’s (2012) article was a arrangement of the author’s perspective from individuals in his life. The study conducted by Groysberg and Abrahams was told more stories and direct quotes as evidence for why one should or should not place focus on professional success only. The articles differed in perspective. Sinoway focus was more self-reliant. In contrast, Groysberg and Abrahams presented a study that was community-centered.

Conclusion

Work-life balance comes from conglomerate of choices one has to make to achieve his or her definition of professional and personal success. From these articles, a few insights became prominent in one’s pursuit for work life balance. First, one must carefully think about your goal (Sinoway 2012). Decisions are best made when one has considered what is most important in one’s life. Sinoway (2012) asks one to consider how important are one’s values, needs, and wants. Through answering the questions, one can develop a more holistic goal for success. Second, one must consciously stagger your goals (Sinoway, 2012). This means intentionally placing focus on one aspect of work or life at a time (Sinoway, 2012). Sinoway (2012) stated that staggering can help one to be successful “in many dimensions over time.” Finally, according to Groysberg and Abrahams (2014), it is critical to have a support network. A partner’s or spouse’s support provides emotional support, provide support at home, and objectively help in problem solving (Groysberg & Abrahams, 2012, p. 63-65). A network of supporters are of family and friends and work colleagues all play a part in balancing one’s personal and professional life.

Applying these insights in one’s life will help one to understand the decisions one may have to make to avoid making significant sacrifices in their personal life.

References:

Groysberg, B., & Abrahams, R. (2014). Manage your work, manage your life. Harvard Business Review, 92(3), 58-66.

Sinoway, E.C. (2012). No, you can’t have it all. Harvard Business Review, 90(10),111-114.