The School, Family, Work, Life Balance

Most of us find that just two of school, family, work and/or life will take just enough time and energy for us to be able to cope while still finding enough time for rest and relaxation. While each of these has its own reward, each is also time consuming and carries inherent expectations and responsibilities. Most of us also have to deal with the fact that it is extremely likely that we have to cope with all four and we most probably always will.

On-going Education/Up skilling

Knowing and accepting that this balance is always going to consist of school, family work and life is half the battle. Stop the press, because some of you will be thinking at this point, that in a few years at least you will be able to drop school and have just the others to contend with, but that is simply not true. A few years ago it would have been but it isn’t anymore. These days there are very few careers that aren’t dependent upon rapidly changing technology which means that up skilling for todays graduates will be a lifelong process.

Which brings us back to resigning yourself to managing the balance, these are a few suggestions:

• Stay fit and healthy. This may sound like extra effort but the reality is if you exercise to make your mind and body more fit and concurrently release endorphins, you will be significantly better off in your ability to cope. Eating the right food will also enhance your ability to think, react and keep you energized.
• Avoid working for large corporations whether you are doing research through school or working part time, these guys will usually pay well but will be exceedingly demanding in their expectations. Unless you are prepared to make work the priority over family, school and life, it isn’t worth it.
• Use the resources that are available to you. It isn’t necessary to do everything the hard way. Hire editors, delegate tasks in team environments and take advantage of all the shortcuts that technology has to offer.
• Don’t join the rat race. Yes, there are plum positions that will earn you prestige and status. Again consider what is important. To compete in the rat race requires stamina and sacrifice. In other words you give up all your leisure time, your pursuits of pleasure, maybe even your hobbies and personal interests in order to beat the throngs of people all wanting the same prestige and status. If you can find a job or research project that offers recognition for good work and a pleasant work environment, you will still receive the exact same accolades when you discover or do something great.
• Remember that emotional and spiritual balance is as important as the others are. However you feed these two needs, doing so will undoubtedly involve relaxing, enjoying time, taking time and reconnecting to the internal and integral aspects of your being.

The Perfect Balance

While these suggestions may come across as somewhat less ambitious than you foresee your life or your future during these student years, practicing this kind of balance now will create healthy and fulfilling habits for the future. For a lucky few who plan well and find themselves in the right place at the right time the perfect symmetry manifests itself; your work life is not far from your home life and is of interest to your family, you do a job you love and your study remains interesting and satisfying. Whether that comes easily or whether it requires effort and planning, it surely must be the ultimate goal.