Getting the Work:Life Balance Right

Being made redundant in March 2010 was a big shock to my system, particularly as the nature of the collapse of the business I worked for meant there was no 6 figure payout to rely on.  It did however make me consider my options carefully and I rapidly realised that one of the key things I wanted to achieve from this enforced change was a better work:life balance.  This became a key goal for me, and looking back - nearly 3 years later - I can honestly say that the balance I have now feels so very 'right'.  I'm sat in Norfolk having a lovely half term with the family and fitting some work around some very pleasant family time.  I've reviewed an auditing standard today, looked at some flowcharts for a client and now I'm going to write up a report.  My daughter is snuggled up on the sofa reading Coot Club, just having got back from a lovely morning ride.  My husband is due back from some business calls any time now and tonight we will almost certainly wander across the road for a welcome pint of Adnam's Ale.  I may not be earning a fortune but I am oh so very happy with my lot.  We return to York tomorrow and get back to the reality of school and appointments and business trips but firmly at the front of my mind will be the need to maintain the right balance!  Have you got your work:life balance right?