Work-life balance myth: Why you need to find resources outside of the workplace.

sacredspace808
Nov 18, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Oct 11

Research indicates that the commonly accepted notion of work-family conflict, which is often used to explain the scarcity of women in higher organizational positions, has been proven false (Ely & Padavic, 2020, para. 4). Men also face challenges in balancing work demands with their wish to spend more time with their families. Claiming that work-life balance is the reason for the lack of women in senior roles does not make it true.

So, what is the explanation? A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) indicates that women are more frequently encouraged than men to pursue internal-facing roles within an organization when balancing family and career demands. This typically involves taking on supportive positions like data entry, customer service, or receptionist roles, which offer limited opportunities for advancement.

When faced with the competing demands of work and family, the options given to women usually restrict career development and growth (Ely & Padavic, 2020). You may be a great worker, but when occupying an administrative position you are not seen as equally qualified or intelligent.

Also, if you are not generating revenue during economic or financial downturns, you may be on the receiving end of a pink slip. Since career development and leadership roles come from working with clients, developing business opportunities, and meeting and solving any challenges along the way it’s important to understand that there are few learning and development opportunities when sitting at a desk, ordering lunch, or reviewing emails and letters from your boss.

The HBR study also found that there were other work practices that create challenges for both men and women-such as employers expecting you to be available to them or the client 24/7. Since all employees’ face sacrificing family or work, an important place to start is questions such as: What does success look like to me? Do I really want a balanced and happy life? And am I willing to do the things I will need to do to develop and maintain that lifestyle?

There are many things women can do to improve their career opportunities. Nurturing the nurturer should be the highest priority, since if we don't care for ourselves first, we can't care for any one else.

Finding ways outside of the organization to address the demands of your family and your own personal needs is one way of focusing on self-care. You then have the freedom to pursue a career and developmental goals while not compromising your personal lifestyle.

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