What are your reasons for wanting a better work-life balance?

• For some it's a release from too much pressure.
• The expectation to work too many long hours.
• Or the competing demands of family.
• It's not something we plan for early in our career.
• Not many had this priority until the pressure became intense.
• So, it's partly a reaction to stress.
• It can also be a symptom of burn-out, a need for a rest.
• A sign of simply taking on too much.
• Overload causes your ability to cope with excess work to crash.
• In an emotional state we don't think as clearly as usual.
• When in pain we do anything to rid ourselves of it.
• A radical solution might appeal - a total drop-out of the rat race.
• Ask yourself: ''Is that what I really want? Or am I over reacting?''
• What is practical in view of your total circumstances?

The meaning of work-life balance

• It will be different things to different people.
• Maybe just a rest or a modest scale back in workload.
• Others might want a part-time job.
• Or a less stressful, less demanding full time job.
• Or one closer to home.
• Perhaps a job in a non-commercial enterprise.
• Or one that produces more ''meaningful'' products.
• For some it means addressing problems in their home life rather than anything to do with their job.
• It will differ for late career versus mid career people.
• It depends on what you want, being clear about the costs and benefits and preparing yourself to make some sacrifices to get what you want.
• Review your aproach to stress management if it is stress that if fuelling your desire for a better work-life balance.