One Word That Signals Work-Life Imbalance
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You might be surprised by the simplicity of what I am about to tell you but I have found that there is one word that I can use as a pretty accurate barometer of how balanced my family time is with my work.
When I find that I am using this word to answer my family’s requests with greater frequency, I have come to realize that this is a sign that my family needs more from me than I am currently giving them. Similarly, when I am not using this word often enough it is typically a sign that I need to devote a little more attention to my work.
Do you know which word I am referring to? Do you want me to tell you?
No.
I’m not trying to be mean and say no that I will not tell you the word. The word is no. This one word has an uncanny ability for signaling that your work and life are out of balance.
Take a minute and think of how often you have been saying no to your loved ones. As you think about it, please remember that the word no has a couple of relatives named “not right now” and “in a minute” that often signal the same imbalance.
The next time you find yourself uttering these words with regularity, try to take a step back and give the needed attention to the person or people that are on the receiving end. They’ll appreciate your attention and you will enjoy a little more control over your work-life balance.
Did you ever think one little word could hold so much information?
The Man Page is your home to get career advice, parenting tips, or just kick back and escape from the pressure of being a man. Join Derek Semmler - a working husband and father to two young boys, as we tackle the issues facing men today and have a good deal of fun in the process. He also blogs at 
I have had to utter more “no’s” in the last 4-5 days than I have in the last month or two! Thankfully now that we are live my kids and hubby can have me back!
Guilty of “in a minute” more than I’d like to admit.
Of course, I know that you are talking about reasonable requests, but sometimes, “no” is helpful in maintaining a good balance when you encounter unreasonable demands from either work or family.
Great post! =)
@Wendy :: No doubt, I know you’ve been very busy getting this all put together. Enjoy some time saying “yes”.
@Elizabeth :: I think most of us are guilty but recognizing when it happens too much will help balance things out.
@Kelvin :: Thanks for the feedback! You must be a mind reader, stay tuned for tomorrow.
Hey Derek. These titles are amazing. I’m taking the baby up to bed now, but I will be back to read more. I really like the topics you are presenting. Much needed these days!