Resources for that Elusive Work-Family Balance

It's like the land of milk & honey.  Work-family balance.  We're all seeking it, but who has it?  And what, exactly, is it?  I have recently become somewhat obsessed by this topic, by the limitations of today's workplace for working parents, and my own effort to define and then attain not only balance, but perfection, in the half-changed workplace.  Judging by all the media attention and blogging on the subject, I ain't the only mama with such dreams. 

In my obsessive quest I have stumbled across some good resources lately, but know I'm missing many others - especially personal advice from the mamas who've reached the promised land.  Aside from telling me I can have it all but just not now, all at once (wahhh), what's a workin' mama to do to find that perfect flex schedule?  I admit to adding several books to my unread bedside pile: The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and Mothers on the Fast Track:  How a New Generation Can Balance Family and Careers.  And then there's WorkOptions.com, a resource-packed web site that helps you get the flexible work arrangement you want at your current job.  The Jobs and Moms Career Center is pretty inspiring, too, and has some great ideas if you're ready to make a career shift to get the balance you need.

If you, too, dream of a different work set-up, check out U.S. News & World Report's How Moms Get on Track post.  It's, well, right on track.  And don't forget to commiserate (always a favorite pastime) with other endlessly juggling urbanMamas.  If we can't change our own situations, at least we'll know we're not alone.

Got any resources to share with day dreamin' mamas seeking the workplace of milk & honey?  I know I haven't exhausted the options yet - though I've sure exhausted myself trying!  And as for trying to change more than your own situation, check out the Family & Workplace Balancing Act of 2007 in a previous post.  It might not be passing anytime soon, but at least someone on the Hill is thinking along these lines.

Comments

[Beth]

Well I wasn't sure where to put this comment, because it relates to several posts. I am a FT workin' mama, with a DH who is temporarily staying at home. Our kids are 5 and 2.5, and we just moved here in May. My company moved us here, and DH took the summer off to get us settled. It has been the biggest gift, to focus on my new job without all the stress of unpacking, figuring out child care, etc.

Previously, we each worked less than 40 hours a week, each self-employed. While we had tons of flexibility, the boundaries between work and home were nonexistent. Yes, I could go to the park with my kids, but I also had to work every weekend, as did my husband. There were no vacations, very few true "days off" and endless juggling of schedules. It was appropriate when the kids were very little but it was also exhausting.

Now we are facing the time when DH will have to work, probably full time. I have a great deal of flexibility at my job; I can work 7-4 one day and 9-6 the next. I can take two hour lunches to volunteer at my son's school. Our sick leave policy (5 days a year) covers doctor's appointments and staying home with sick kids. We have great health coverage (I work for a health care company). And our vacation leave is very generous, 18 days a year the first year. We even get reimbursed for health club memberships, massages, work out clothes, etc. up to a certain amount per year. My husband is trying to get a job with the same company, so he can take advantage of the awesome benefits too.

Work life balance? It's never going to be perfect. You will miss things you'll wish you hadn't, both at home and at work. But I think it's doable with a supportive employer. Look carefully at the culture and benefits of potential jobs. I took a lower salary to get the killer benefits, and I think it was worth it. And be sure to speak up about how the flexibility makes you that much more productive at work. I know it is absolutely true for me.

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