Who has a good work-life balance?

• How do you feel about talking about your need for balance with others?
• We resist talking about negative feelings when we feel we're the only ones that have them. ''There must be something wrong with me'' we think. This is a myth. More people share the same concerns than don't.
• But, it can be career limiting to broadcast a feeling of not being up to it.
• How can you discuss your needs in a positive light?
• Focus on two or three people you can trust as mentors.
• Say something like: ''I want to find ways of adding even more value to the organization and I think I can do that if I can find more space to think.'' Then ask: ''What would you suggest?''
• This sounds like you're motivated to do what's best for the job rather than just whining about how overworked you are.
• Or ask: ''You seem able to rise above the fray. How do you do it?''
• Or: ''What's your secret for balancing a successful career and personal life?''
• Keeping issues inside can be counterproductive because of the feeling that only we are have concerns while everyone else appears to be sailing through.
• The error here is comparing how we feel with how others behave. Maybe they're just as good at hiding their real feelings as you are.
• Just sharing concerns with others who have the same feelings can lift a great weight off your shoulders.
• Better still, you might get some very practical suggestions.
• And form a support network.