"Work-life balance has become such a commonly used phrase that we
rarely if ever stop to even question its meaning. Let's examine it...

Work
is part of our lives. Of course. Few of us can afford not to work, and
while many work in unrewarding, monotonous jobs, some of us find our
work very rewarding and fulfilling. But the fact remains that work is
part of our lives. Part of it. "Work-Life" is then the ratio depicting
how much
of our lives we devote to work. The amount we work divided by the whole
of our live. Remember from math class? That's how you derive the
percentage -- the part divided by the whole. So then... what percentage
would provide balance. Balance suggests 50/50. But who wants work to
constitute a full half of their life? Mmm-Possibly some GI
Joe/Jane-type go-getters...? But for those of us who've ascribed to our
modern, evolved priorities around family, friends, healthy, happiness,
and yes damn it! (I'll say it) me time,
half my life? Half? That's 12 hours a day, or 3 and 1/2 full 24-hour
days at work. While I'd love 3.5 full 24-hour days to devote to
non-work activities and interests, I can't imagine the price -- the
other half week with no contact with family, friends, no sleep...So
what is the acceptable ratio? What's yours? Maybe that's one initial
step towards finding the work-life balance we discusss, read, and even
moan about to frequently -- determining our target goal. What's yours? You tell me yours and I'll tell you mine.