Integrating Work Into Life and Life Into Work
We were fortunate to have a large range of perspectives on our panel on the work-life integration topic. They varied in their educational background, in their career choices, in the work experience, in their interests outside the home, and in their family choices. All chose to work professionally, and all excel in what they do. All chose to get married and have at least one child. And all are learning from the experience.
Below is some advice for others who are aiming to integrate life into work, and work into life.
Make a proactive, considered, data-based decision for both your work choices and your life choices, plus how to integrate the two.
Welcome help and support from your family, friends and networks, as well as technology tools and community resources.
Know what's important for the important people in your life and make sure that you're there for her/him.
Know when it's crunch time at work and make the time to do work well. This may take more support, more understanding, and less time for life activities which are important for yourself and your family and friends, but make up for it when it's no longer crunch time.
Don't second-guess your work-life integration choices. Don't judge others for theirs. Don't be bothered by others who judge you for your choices.
Do embrace and work-life integration choice. Do support others in their life-work integration choices. Do accept input, feedback and support when it's offered.
Mentor and support others who are navigating work-life integration challenges.
Be actively involved in leaders and causes which you're passionate about. You will also meet like-minded leaders who would be great support systems as well.
Set time boundaries at work so that you can make time for important daily routines at home. Leaving at an earlier hour and working after the kids are in bed will help ensure that you're there for your kids during their waking hours.
Have a sense of humor and a broader perspective.
Do many things well, but don't expect perfection.
Ruthlessly manage what needs to be done, and when things needs to be done.
Allocate time for yourself to do the things which would energize you.
Take care of yourself - eat well, exercise, meditate, connect with friends and family.
Stretch your mind, your brain. Choose to learn and grow every day.
Choose to work on something that's meaningful, and to work with people you enjoy and respect.
Nobody has all the right answers, but everyone struggles to find that integration between a stimulating and fulfilling life, and work that will make a difference. Choose to enjoy the ride.
Please join us in thanking our gracious hosts at Comcast for our August 10 When She Speaks panel, on the 'Integrating Work Into Your Life, and Life Into Your Work' topic, and our panelists:
Facilitator Linda Holroyd, CEO, FountainBlue
Panelist Maria Olson Kilgore, Vice President Global & Strategic Alliances, JetStream Software, Inc
Panelist Jyoti Kukreja, Director, Software Sales Strategy, Nutanix
Panelist Kitty Lou, Director of Product Engineering, Comcast
Panelist Ronit Polak, VP of Quality Assurance, Palo Alto Networks
Panelist Tamara Rivera, Director, Inside Sales, Synaptics
Panelist Nithya A. Ruff, Head, Comcast Open Source Practice, Comcast
Panelist Erin Yeaman, Senior Director of HR, Lam Research