People often talk about work/life balance as if you take from one and give to the other, treating them like a zero-sum game. I see the work/life relationship differently. When done right, there can be a work/life HARMONY where both work and personal life enhance each other. The best work feels like focused play. I bring a little work into all my vacations because I’ve chosen professional roles that are a calling, not just a job. Conversely, I take my children to work events worldwide because I want to share my work with my family. I even recorded my sons interviewing industry leaders at these meetings. I blend work and family because I cherish them both. This week, I’ll be bringing all THREE of my children, including my 11-year-old daughter, to tech events I’ll be leading in LA and then Sydney, Australia. My time with my kids at home is nearing an end, but I hope I’ve instilled an appreciation for both the value of family time and the fulfillment of professional pursuits. I believe both are critical to a happy life. Special thanks to David Kluzak, Scott Bajtos, and Pat Gelsinger for sharing ideas on blending work and family when my children were in elementary school. I'm happy to pay it forward to the next generation of young parents now. #WorkLifeHarmony #TheInsightAge
Man, 100% Joel "Thor" Neeb. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have work and a business that I truly enjoy doing and spending time on. Whether work, spending time with family, hobbies, physical and mental self-improvement I always have something to do, and don't remember the last time I felt "bored." It also makes down time that even more enjoyable as actual "down time." Great way to describe it...work/life harmony.
I never realized how much I blended work into my home hours until having kids. I definitely had to make adjustments so my kids would get dedicated time with me, but now my son will tear through business books faster than I can. And, my daughter pushes ChatGPT to limits I wouldn’t think of on my own. Both family and work are incredibly important and where we all spend the majority of our time; blending the two is the perfect harmony.
Love the concept of work/life harmony Joel. It’s something that Maria sacrificed for early in our marriage. We had to pass on some opportunities by in the end it was worth it. As for blending work and family, I can remember Alaina Daner handing out pens at my investment seminars when she was five years old.
Joel, you are once again, raising the bar—-leading by example. Way to go in creating moments within your family that will last a lifetime. So proud of you.
It very much depends on the work place ethics of the company who employs you and probably importantly how your line manager manages you.
have you ever read when Work and family collide by Andy Stanley? it’s probably the best resource I’ve ever read on this topic and thought I would share Another great post and thanks for what you share and all you do… I hope you’re having a great Monday!
A few weeks ago, I took on the task of researching the wealthiest families in my country. How they achieve success in their businesses, entirely managed by family members, together generate wealth through their businesses for generations. How do they successfully involve their members in a natural, strategic, and solid way? How does each family member play the key role they are perfectly suited for? They all look out for the common good. They involve their children from a young age in the businesses, and in their companies; young family members attend executive meetings and have a role or responsibility within these boards at an early age, they have rules within and outside their businesses, within and outside their personal lives, mutually train each other on how to successfully manage both business and family and achieve balance. Something that surprised me and caught my attention is the difference in mindset they have in raising their children; they train them in family wealth and strength, they learn, and plan together in both business and home life. I believe achieving that balance is something that can and should be learned, not easy but it can be absolutely a game changer, so I am writing an article about it.
My wife and I presented at a Higher Education conference earlier this year about self care, and we frame it as work-life integration. We try to highlight that there is a need to integrate which means there is the ability to have connection, communication, and synergy. For some, that means seamless transition on demand. For others, that means segmented "workflows" where one starts when one ends. It requires some emotional intelligence to know what helps you gain happiness and re-energize.
Incredible transparency here Joel "Thor" Neeb. I always encourage my colleagues to bring their "full selves" to work. The video interviews are next level though. Can't wait to see what your children accomplish with such a great example and "running start" into their careers and lives away from home.
Thought Leader | #10SecondTech | Technical Marketing Trailblazer | Customer-Centric Product Marketer and Manager | Technology for Good Enthusiast | Women in Technology Supporter | Believer in Giving Back |
1moWork-life balance doesn’t exist because it implies that it’s always 50-50, which is not possible. And when you can’t achieve the perfect 50-50 balance, it feels defeating. I call it work-life happiness. I will say that while it sounds great, having the money and resources (like a partner who can take off work to come or a paid second set of hands) to bring kids on work trips if a privilege that not everyone has. And not everyone is at a career level where they might feel comfortable having their kids interview execs.