As a young girl, I always dreamed of making a difference in the world. I was fascinated by the idea of working in a high-powered job and making a name for myself. I studied hard, excelled in my studies, and landed my dream job.
I loved my job, and I worked hard to prove my worth. I put in long hours, took on extra assignments, and rarely took a break. I was proud of my work, and I felt like I was making a difference in the world.
But,
I remember my father's birthday last year. I had been working on a project for weeks and had an impending deadline to meet. As much as I wanted to be there for him, I couldn't afford to take time off work. I told myself I would make it up to him by taking him out for a fancy dinner once I was done with work. But as the night progressed, and I saw the photos and videos of his birthday party on social media which were posted by my sister, they looked so happy.....
I felt a pang of regret and guilt for not being there with him. He looked so happy, surrounded by friends and family...without me...I couldn't shake off the feeling of missing out. It wasn't until the next day at work that it hit me hard that I had been neglecting my personal relationships for the sake of my career. It was a wake-up call. It felt like I was missing out on important milestones and moments with my loved ones. I had been so focused on excelling in my job that I had forgotten about the importance of balance. That's when I realized that I needed to find a healthy balance between my work and personal relationships. I couldn't let my career consume my life and leave me feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my loved ones. It was time to prioritize my time and make sure I was spending enough time with the people who mattered most.
I started scheduling date nights, family outings, and quality time with friends. I also made sure to take time for myself by prioritizing self-care and doing activities that brought me joy and relaxation, such as exercising, reading, or pursuing my hobbies. I communicated openly with my partner and family about my work schedule, so they understood when I needed to work late or travel for work.
Over time, I found that balancing work and relationships as possible. I was happier, more relaxed, and more connected to my loved ones. I also found that I performed better at work, as I was more focused and less stressed. I realized that finding a healthy balance between work and personal relationships was essential to living a fulfilling and happy life. And now, I make sure to prioritize both aspects of my life equally, and I've never been happier. Hope you do the same...