Every minute is precious, as we discussed Monday. Most of us don’t ever feel like we have enough time and work longer and longer hours to get all our jobs done.
I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite because I am definitely a workaholic but I think we should always remember that if we don’t maintain a good life/work balance there’s a real threat of burn out.
Burn out will not only cause emotional and physical stress, but will affect everything you do–your tasks at work and your tasks at home. Like we mentioned last week about not being able to be everything to everyone, I think we must remember that we can’t be perfect in all aspects of our life. The best we can always do is try.
It always amazes me when I hear these stories about incredible women who put in 10-12 hours in the office and then come home and cook meals and take care of their children. I always wonder how they do it.
I’m not saying that when a job is important you can’t step up and do what needs to be done to accomplish the task (the show ALWAYS has to go on), but I do want to put this gentle reminder out there that you must also think of your personal self and make sure you take time out to refresh.
Trust me, you won’t be good to anyone, including yourself, if you push too hard and end up over-stressed and burnt out.
I think this is an especially poignant reminder to all my colleagues out there who run their own businesses as well. When first starting out, especially when you’re working out of your home, it’s too easy to blur those lines between life and work.
I’d love to hear about any tips you have, especially those who work from home, to help you maintain a good life/work balance.
For me, I try to have “art escape” days where I take time out to explore a new museum or gallery show. Or, even going to a movie is great because you can immerse yourself into a new world and experience. The benefit is that when I take the time to step away from work, I always come back to it refreshed and inspired to do more.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Valerie Romanoff
March 16, 2011
I find that with a hectic event and office schedule, there are times during the year that I am busier than others. I love working intensely on a project, and then enjoying some “down time” when it is over, which usually involves a day or two for resting, reading, cooking, gardening and conjuring up some new ideas for future projects. Oops, supposed to be resting! Sometimes we go from event to event and don’t have much time for a break, and in those cases I treat myself to a little vacation at the end of the run. My favorite place to go to unwind and recharge is Sedona, Arizona where there are many wonderful things to do for mind, body and spirit. This is a big part of what helps me to not only keep going, but to infuse all future endeavors with new vitality and creativity.
Aleah + Nick Valley
March 16, 2011
Wonderful read! It’s so important to remember this, yet so easy to forget. As we work together day in and day out, our work often carries into dinner and evening hours. We’re always thinking, brainstorming, and working. Trying to find a balance means just getting out, going to lunch, taking a walk on the beach, or shutting of for the weekend. Thank you for putting this out there; we all need to hear this.
Corrine O'Neill @ Buds and Blooms
March 16, 2011
it’s a struggle. I run my business from my house and I literally cannot get away from my work. One day I hope to have a studio space that is not in my house. That way I can really just leave work at work. For the time being; I struggle!
ofdconsulting
March 16, 2011
I’m a big believer in life/work balance- I need some time to recharge! I have a home office and schedule work hours specifically for work. As a rule of thumb, the hours of 9-11pm every day are off limits- I grab a late dinner with the hubby and wind down. I always give myself one day (well 12 hours or so) off all together each week and close the door to my office. Otherwise, I’d never stop working.
Meaghan Schmaltz
March 16, 2011
All I can say is “Amen” to this post. My first two years of business was fraught with the same battle between my husband and I: I never shut off the phone or put away the laptop. To battle it I made the home office that we shared MY space. He can work at the desk when I’m not at home but otherwise it’s my space. Which means I can also walk away from that space, close the door and say “I’m closed for business” for a few hours. Clients are incredibly important but they can wait an hour if I need to unwind.
Nicole Goodyer
March 16, 2011
Surround yourself with people that understand the juggle. Discovering your blog and realising I am not the only one struggling with this work/life balance has been theraphy in itself.
Schedule “your” time as you would for a task, try not to feel guilty but enjoy that down time. It is what will recharge those creative juices…and that is our primary product to give!
On that note off to market in a few hours for wedding flowers so looking forward to that pedicure booked for monday!
Zyanya Itzel
March 16, 2011
My boyfriend and I created our company and although it’s difficult to separate time (when we go out to the movies we end up talking about our business) I can say that has joined us more and get to know each other in very different ways and situations. I think we have reached the work/life balance with maturity.
Ellen
March 21, 2011
Preston…. do you only do events now or do you still do special floral deliveries?
Heyden
February 10, 2012
Great post. I enjoyed reading your article. I will bookmark this.