Work Life Balance Is About Choice, Values and Consequences

I just came across an article in the Wall Street Journal written several months ago where Jack Welch commented that there is no such thing as work life balance, particularly for women. You bet he got strong comments!Here is my take: I think work life balance is all about choices based upon what you value. As with all choices there are trade offs and consequences. The big debates come into play when you reflect on what your actual career aspirations are and what is doable in terms of what you want in life - whether it is to take time off to have children and not work or work part-time or whether you just want to work full-time and have a life. Do you live to work or work to live?

If you have CEO aspirations, there is a prevalent paradigm that exists that it is not possible to become CEO or achieve high executive levels and have a balanced life. I say this depends... on who you are and your work culture.

Technology has introduced a lot more flex in terms of where and when we work. It's up to us humans to push back on workload and not try and do it all this week or this month.

Do I believe it is possible as a woman (or man) to "have it all" - a primary passionate relationship, close connection with your kids and creative, lucrative and fulfilling work? ABSOLUTELY!!...Maybe not in the same, hour, day, month or year, but over the course of your life. It's a question of when and how. What do you really want and are you willing to pay the price? Be honest with yourself - you'll save yourself a lot of time and effort long-term.