Managing Work Commitments During Life Changes

Work-life balance doesn’t exist. Here’s what does. The pursuit of work-life balance has become an obsession. Yet the more we chase it, the more frustrated and burnt out we become. It's time to confront these harsh truths and build a life that actually works for us. 11 Harsh Truths About Work-Life Balance: 1/ Perfect balance is a myth ↳ Identify your main focus for this season and communicate it clearly. Be deliberate with where you invest your time and energy. 2/ You can't have it all at once ↳ Prioritise what matters most right now. Review and adjust your focus regularly as life changes. 3/ Saying 'yes' to everything means saying 'no' to yourself ↳ Set boundaries and schedule time for activities that recharge you. A strategic "no" is a gift to yourself. 4/ Technology means we're always on ↳ Create tech-free zones, like no work emails after 7 pm and phone-free mornings. Use "Do Not Disturb" modes to set boundaries. 5/ Work expands to fill the time ↳ Use time-blocking and set deadlines, even for small tasks. Try productivity tools like Pomodoro timers to stay on track. 6/ Success in one area means sacrifice in another ↳ Communicate trade-offs with loved ones. Plan check-ins to ensure you have their support. 7/ Your health is the first to go ↳ Schedule health activities as non-negotiable appointments. Use reminders for exercise, hydration, and sleep. 8/ Burnout sneaks up gradually ↳ Do a weekly self-check on energy, mood, and stress. Spot patterns early and adjust before burnout hits. 9/ Energy management matters more than time management ↳ Block peak energy hours for deep work, and save admin tasks for low-energy times. Take short, energy-boosting breaks. 10/ Work-life balance changes with life stages ↳ Reset your routine during major life changes. Plan what success looks like for this new phase. 11/ The 'ideal schedule' doesn't exist ↳ Create simple morning and evening routines to anchor your day, with flexibility in between. ⬇️ Which of these harsh truths hits home for you? ♻️ Share to inspire others seeking a real approach to work-life balance. 🔔 Follow Jen Blandos for more insights on business, mindset, and growth.

As someone who works 7 days a week, I have had to create weekends and strict rest periods inside my days of active work. Saturday and Sundays are more led with personal tasks but I can't fully disconnect from the mission on weekends and so day naps, strict working days of 10am-3am and working after 8pm (the kids bedtime) become a method of achieving all of my goals and commitments. My consideration for you is: Clarify your values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. Identify your core values and aspirations in both your professional and personal spheres. Understanding what is most important will help you make more aligned choices. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Determine specific times and spaces dedicated to work, and make a conscious effort to disconnect and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work. Communicate your boundaries to colleagues, clients, and loved ones to foster respect and understanding. Prioritise self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Prioritise self-care activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, such as exercise, quality sleep, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it enables you to show up as your best self in all areas of life. Assess your workload: Evaluate your workload and responsibilities realistically. Be mindful of taking on too much and learn to delegate or say no when necessary. Recognise that you have limitations, and it is essential to avoid burnout by finding a sustainable balance between productivity and rest. Foster open communication: Engage in open and honest communication with your employer, colleagues, and loved ones about your work-life balance priorities. Clearly express your needs and concerns, and seek solutions that accommodate both personal and professional commitments. Collaborative dialogue can lead to mutually beneficial arrangements. Embrace flexibility: Explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. Flexibility can help create more space for personal pursuits and enable a better integration of work and life responsibilities. Practice mindfulness and presence: Cultivate mindfulness by being fully present in the present moment, whether you are at work or engaged in personal activities. By focusing on the task at hand, you can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and derive greater enjoyment from your experiences. Regularly reassess and adjust: Recognise that work-life balance is a dynamic process. Regularly assess your approach, considering your changing circumstances and priorities. Adjust your choices and commitments accordingly to maintain a harmonious equilibrium over time.

Don't set boundaries unless you're ready to pay for them. That's the harsh reality behind new research from the Harvard Business Review on work-life balance. The study found something troubling: Companies *say* they support unplugging, but they still quietly punish employees who actually do it. Workers who disconnect come back MORE motivated and productive. Yet they're still rated as LESS committed and LESS promotable. This bias shows up even when the unplugged employee outperforms their peers. Even when they disconnect to care for a sick family member (like a child... looking at you, parents). Moms especially are told to protect their energy and be present with their families. But when they do, they get left out of key projects or passed over for promotions. Hello, motherhood penalty... Somewhere along the way, we confused availability with commitment. If I learned one thing on my path to Director of Product as a mom of two, it's this: You don't need to be constantly available to get promoted. You need to be strategically visible. And that means making your impact impossible to ignore. This is especially critical for working parents. We don't have the luxury of working nights and weekends anymore. That time goes to our kids, our partner, and, if there's anything left, ourselves. So we can show up stronger on Monday (yes, we're still ambitious). But showing up strong isn't enough if no one sees it. People will default to assumptions unless you actively shape their perception. So make your commitment explicit. Here's what strategic visibility looks like: ↳ Promote your work ↳ Speak up in meetings ↳ Camera on when possible ↳ Take initiative on key projects ↳ Be positive, friendly, and helpful ↳ Send proactive updates to your manager ↳ Align your contributions with company priorities Do this, and you can log off on Friday knowing your value isn't tied to late-night emails. If you're navigating this tension, I gave a Maven Lightning Lesson on exactly this topic: "Setting Boundaries at Work as a New Parent." It's full of scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you set boundaries without sacrificing your career. Watch it here: https://maven.com/p/18958d What are other ways to make your impact visible without sacrificing boundaries? #LIPostingDayMay

Balancing a demanding job with maintaining good communication with relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, as well as attending social gatherings, can indeed be challenging. However, with some thoughtful strategies, it's possible to manage both effectively. Here are some tips to help you stay connected: 1. Prioritize and Schedule - Plan Ahead: Use a calendar to schedule time for social interactions, just like you would for work meetings. This ensures you allocate time for your loved ones and social commitments. - Set Reminders: Use reminders to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, and important events. This helps you remember to reach out and stay connected. 2. Leverage Technology - Stay Connected Digitally: Use messaging apps, social media, and video calls to stay in touch with family and friends, even when you’re traveling or busy at work. - Virtual Gatherings: Organize virtual meetups, like video calls or online game nights, to connect with loved ones who are far away. 3. Quality Over Quantity - Meaningful Interactions: Focus on the quality of your interactions rather than the frequency. Even brief, heartfelt conversations can strengthen relationships. - Be Present: When you’re with family or friends, be fully present. Avoid distractions like checking your phone or thinking about work. 4. Integrate Social Time into Your Routine - Work Social Events: Attend work-related social events to build relationships with colleagues. This can improve workplace camaraderie and make your work environment more enjoyable. - Lunch and Coffee Breaks: Use lunch breaks or coffee breaks to catch up with colleagues or friends who work nearby. 5. Communicate Effectively - Be Transparent: Let your loved ones know about your busy schedule and the importance of your job. They’ll appreciate your honesty and understand your situation. - Express Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude to the people in your life. A simple “thank you” or “I appreciate you” can go a long way. 6. Combine Activities - Multi-Task: Combine social interactions with daily activities. For example, invite a friend to join you for a workout or a walk. - Family Time: Involve your family in your hobbies or interests, making it a shared activity. 7. Delegate and Share Responsibilities - Delegate Tasks: Share household responsibilities with family members to free up time for social interactions. - Collaborative Projects: Work on collaborative projects with colleagues to build stronger professional relationships. 8. Set Boundaries - Work-Life Balance: Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid taking work calls or checking emails during family gatherings or social events. - Time Management: Use time management techniques to ensure you have dedicated time for both work and personal life. Prioritize meaningful interactions, leverage technology, and manage your time wisely to strike a balance between work and social life. #SMF

Reacting to world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler saying his priorities were first as a family man for his wife and son, second as a professional golfer, NFL super star Tom Brady this week asked in his newsletter: “Why are those mutually exclusive? … I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family. I chose to do it by playing football." He then argued that giving his all to his job was synonymous with being a great dad and family man. The question these two sports stars raised about walking the tightrope between your professional career and your family is one I often hear from business leaders. They wonder how to honor commitments to customers, colleagues, investors and society as a whole while also being fully present for their families. For many, the tension feels tough to resolve. In my own life, and in my work with leaders, I’ve found that the solution lies not in “balance”—a word that implies a fragile equilibrium between two states — but in dynamic alignment across multiple dimensions. Achieving alignment requires two things: structure and constant communications My wife Charuta Joshi and I developed what we call a family contract—an explicit agreement about our commitments to each other and how we’ll share responsibilities. For example, both of us committed to taking on 50% of household tasks. We have a sense of all the tasks that need to get done at home including taxes, paying the bills, preparing food, laundry, managing the social calendar etc. and expect each other to get our fair share of the work done. Beyond the contract, I have helped many leaders build a family operating model— much like a company has an operating model. It defines their collective priorities, roles, and the activities that give them energy as a family. It also respects the need for boundary conditions and space. What time we need to recharge as individuals to be effective as a collective ? How are we helping each member of the family unleash their own fullest potential ? All of this does need constant communications as context and priorities evolve over time. Especially in today's world, with all the geopolitical and technological disruptions, our needs and wants do evolve much more than before. I often tell colleagues I am mentoring - "Do it all...you may just need to be thoughtful on how to sequence them over time". The key takeaway? Success at work and home doesn’t come from doing it all at once, but from making deliberate choices together. Having a framework—with clear priorities, roles, sources of energy and boundaries — makes those tough choices easier and increases the odds of keeping relationships strong long-term. Tom Brady’s question is worth asking yourself: Do you have a “family operating model” as intentional as the one you use in your business? If not, maybe it’s time to create one. https://lnkd.in/dbz_zdbB

We’ve all heard the advice: set firm boundaries, log off at 5, disconnect completely on holidays. But when you're in a senior, demanding role, it’s not always that simple. You’re accountable. The stakes are high. And sometimes, work will bleed into life. So, instead of striving for perfect boundaries, here are some realistic ways to manage them: 1. Control What You Can You might not be able to avoid after-hours calls, but you can decide where you take them. A walk outside beats pacing in your kitchen. Shifting the where can help protect your mental space. 2. Set Triage Times Instead of being glued to your device, set specific times to check emails and messages. Stay off your phone until then. Let your team know they can call if there’s a genuine emergency - otherwise, it can wait. This small shift builds trust and keeps you from being in constant reactive mode. 3. Rituals Over Rigid Rules If you can’t aim for no work on holidays, create rituals that anchor you. Morning swims, tech-free dinners, or an afternoon siesta can help you switch gears, even if you still check emails. Also, see rule 2. 4. Communicate, Don’t Assume Your team might not expect immediate replies at 9 pm - but they won’t know your boundaries unless you tell them. Model flexibility and respect for their time-off, and be clear about your own. 5. Know Your Non-Negotiables Not everything needs your attention right now. But what does? Identify the 2-3 things that truly matter today - for both work and life - and protect them fiercely. The rest can flex. Senior roles come with complex demands, but boundaries aren’t just about time - they’re about intention. What are you doing to stay grounded in yours? #leadership #performance #worklifebalance

"Family First" when you're a showrunner—is that actually possible? Most writers assume running a show means sacrificing everything else. But the most successful showrunners who speak at my WGA program have figured out something different. 🧵⤵️ Here's what they've learned: you CAN protect your relationships and stay sane while showrunning. But it requires a specific skill that no one teaches you. It's not about "balance"—it's about something much more practical. Showrunning is genuinely intense. 14-hour days, constant decisions, weekend calls, midnight crises. The job will consume every available minute if you let it. And most new showrunners do let it, thinking that's what success requires. The showrunners who thrive long-term? They get strategic about relationship management. Not because they care less about their shows, but because they understand something crucial: protected relationships actually make you better at your job. Here’s an approach that many swear by: expectation management + commitment keeping. It sounds simple, but it's a learnable skill that most people never develop. Expectation Management: sit down with family and close friends and have honest conversations about what the job actually requires. Explain when you'll be available and when you won't. Set realistic expectations upfront. Commitment Keeping: when you make a commitment—dinner with your partner, your kid's game, a friend's birthday—you work hard to actually keep it. This isn't about being available for everything. It's about being intentional about what you can realistically handle, then following through completely when you commit. This makes you a better showrunner too. When you've protected specific time for relationships, you're more focused during work hours. You make decisions faster because you know your boundaries. You can start practicing this now as a working writer. Be honest about your availability during busy periods. When you commit to personal time, protect it. Don't let work creep into every corner of your life. The writers who learn relationship management before they're running shows? They're the ones who build sustainable careers. They don't burn out in year two because they've learned to be intentional about their commitments. Remember: you'll be a saner showrunner and a better parent, partner, or friend when you manage expectations and keep your word. It's all good, all around. How do you handle the work/relationship balance in your writing career? What strategies have worked (or haven't worked) for you? I'd love to hear your experiences.

Identity change. At some point, it happens to all of us. Whether it's having a child, getting promoted, going through a divorce, lateraling, or retiring – any shift in our personal, professional, or familial roles can be incredibly scary and uncomfortable – even when we've chosen it. I've recently found myself in the messy middle of multiple identity transitions. And I support my clients through these changes every day. So when Elisabeth Beal and I set about preparing for our recent NALP session on Reconciling Identity & Finding Yourself in Times of Change, I was grateful for the opportunity to build the toolkit I personally needed. Here's what we shared: Two traps that make identity change harder than it needs to be: 1) Trying to perfect our new identity without releasing the old one. We cling to who we were and judge ourselves against that standard while trying to show up fully in a new role we're still figuring out. It’s exhausting and unwinnable. 2) Mislabeling discomfort as weakness or mistake. The anxiety and friction of identity change aren't signs something's wrong. They're signs we're stretching. Seven strategies for navigating change with more alignment and satisfaction: 👉 Re-anchor in your values. Core values often endure – but how we express them may need to evolve. "Commitment" that once meant always being available might now mean fulfilling promises and saying no when capacity is full. Same value. Different expression. 👉 Grieve past identities (without getting stuck) and embrace seasons thinking. Missing something doesn't mean it was better or that this season is wrong. Think of your identity as a draft rather than a final version. Now doesn't mean forever. 👉 Rewrite your invisible scripts. Many of us operate by unspoken if-then rules: "If I rest, I'm lazy." "If I say no, I'm letting someone down." Identity shifts require auditing these rules and having the courage to rewrite them in ways that fit our new context. 👉 Manage the social mirror. Others' expectations often lag behind our evolution. When communicating a shift, anchor it in shared goals, clarify what you can offer, and name boundaries clearly. 👉 Practice big-picture perfection. Perfectionists scan the to-do list and imagine doing everything perfectly. Big-picture perfection-seekers work backward, accepting time and energy are finite, and prioritizing accordingly. 👉 Cultivate self-compassion. It's not self-indulgence – it's the emotional stability required for courageous change. 👉 Redefine confidence. Temporary incompetence isn't inadequacy. It's evidence you're expanding your capacity. Confidence = trust in your ability to figure it out. Thank you Elisabeth for your partnership on this project, NALP for creating space for this important conversation – and to the incredible members who participated. If you're in the middle of an identity shift, please know you're not alone. Happy to share the toolkit with anyone who's interested. ❤️

Navigating Career Growth and Family Responsibilities: Finding Balance I was talking to two of my friends last week on two different occasions, and both brought up the topic of balancing career growth with family responsibilities. As I was talking to them, I found myself reflecting on my own situation. I realized how crucial it is to talk more about this topic to make ourselves comfortable and stress-free. As we advance in our careers, networking becomes increasingly crucial. Higher positions often come from the pull of connections rather than the push of applications. However, with career growth and greying hair comes additional responsibilities at home, especially for parents. The time demanded back home increases significantly compared to when we were single or even in a DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) family structure. This balancing act between professional and personal life can be challenging and often disrupts our mental well-being. It's a prevalent scenario that many face, yet it is rarely discussed. So, how can we handle this peculiar situation effectively? My desired techniques, as I am also trying and practicing! 😊 1. Prioritize and Delegate: Identify your most critical tasks both at work and home. Delegate where possible to lighten your load. 2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and family. 3. Time Management: Use tools and techniques to manage your time efficiently. Schedule dedicated time for family activities and stick to it. 4. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from your network, whether it's professional advice or personal help from family and friends. (Works wonder) 5. Self-Care (Most important): Ensure you take time for yourself to recharge. A healthy mind is crucial for maintaining balance. I practice Meditation, Yoga, Book reading, relevant YouTube videos.   Finding this balance is an ongoing process, but I believe with conscious effort and support, it is achievable. Let's start the conversation and share your ways for managing these dual responsibilities effectively. 

Over the past weekend, my family celebrated a significant milestone as we gathered to celebrate the college graduation of my eldest daughter, Abby. It was a moment filled with happiness and pride, and I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of being present for the crucial moments in our families’ lives. Looking ahead, we have another milestone on the horizon - the high school graduation of my younger daughter, Riley, in June. As I balance my work commitments with personal responsibilities, I am reminded of the constant juggling act many of us face.   To be there for my family during these important events, I had to decline two important work meetings, including one that was overseas. This experience reinforced to me the importance of finding a way to integrate your work and your personal life so that it works for you. Each of us encounters moments where we must evaluate our priorities and decide where we are needed most. In this situation, I needed to be there wholeheartedly for my family, so I had to opt out of the work meetings and find other solutions to cover the work.    Finding a balance between work obligations and personal needs can be hard. I think many of us struggle to find what works best, and it is a constant battle as work and personal obligations clash.  As we strive for better work-life balance, it is crucial to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are a few lessons I've learned along the way: - Prioritize: Identify what truly matters in your personal and professional life. Let your values guide your decisions. - Communication: Open and honest communication is key. Speak up and discuss your commitments and expectations with your manager, colleagues, and loved ones. - Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to say no when necessary and set realistic expectations. - Support System: Foster a supportive network at work and home. Delegate where it makes sense, collaborate with your team and seek help when needed. - Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Take the time to recharge and rejuvenate.   Work-life balance is an ongoing journey, and it may look different for each of us. For me, it’s about trusting my gut (and my colleagues!), speaking up and adapting as circumstances evolve. I’m proud of the choices I’ve made and that my company supported them every step of the way. Together, we can create an environment where personal and professional growth can thrive. #MerckProud #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyMilestones #SupportingEachOther