Millennials are less likely than older counterparts to say work-life fit is a priority at work, even as they are derided as lazy by older generations. Maybe if we all updated our language beyond "balance," we'd all find better ways of working.
Recent or soon-to-be graduates say that finding work-life balance is one of their top priorities--but experience suggests that balance as we think of it may not exist. Here are 7 ways new graduates, or anyone, can shift their mindset and find ways to work differently and more flexibly.
When people describe a satisfying life, they envision working hard but dictating their own assignments or hours. They want to make real contributions, but take breaks when they’re tired, and have time for family. What they really need is control. But, frequently, what they think they want is balance--and that’s where trouble starts.
When things are going well, I am on top of the world. Yet then when bad luck hits or I see others achieving things I wish I could, I get down on myself. It's at times like these that I refer back to three parables from different cultures that help me regain perspective.
People often ask me, "How do I know if it is right to start a social entrepreneurship organization?" or "How do you make the jump and just start?" In many ways, if you have to ask that question regarding social entrepreneurship, or marriage, then I think for me--it probably isn't right.
There are four major work+life fit transitions that spark a fundamental rethinking of the way work fits into the rest of life: parenthood, illness, elder care, and retirement. Historically, our response to each of these reset points has been very black and white: I either work full-time, as I am now, or I don't work at all.
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Does the term "rock star" permeate your workplace? Rock star as in someone whose work, accomplishments, mere presence, is legendary and feels like a rock star is in the room?
I have a different take, from Bob Lefsetz - he of the mercurial Lefsetz Letter:
