As long as I can remember, I have always worked. I’ve had a job since I was around 13, and I’ve always prided myself on doing my absolute best at every job I’ve had. I didn’t have an easy life growing up, and I learned to be independent at a very young age. I have absolutely no regrets about that, and I truly thank my mum for teaching me how to be a very independent and strong woman. She has always been a beacon of strength throughout my life. And I can only hope that my own children see the same in me.

My career throughout adulthood translates very much like my youth. Starting with nothing and working so hard to reach where I am now. I have always been aware that I rely heavily on work to balance my life out. It’s not something that I relish admitting, but even when bringing up my children, I made sure that my career was just as important as my family. I wonder how many women go through the same thoughts, almost of shame, that they choose to put just as much emphasis on their career as they do their family. That’s perhaps a question for another day!

Nevertheless, I am the first to admit that for me, the balance has never been quite right. But that was ok with me, because I always rationalised that by thriving in my career, it was always worth it.

Throughout my life, I have always felt a great sense of achievement and happiness from my work, and strived to put myself forward to do more. To take part in learning and development, and to go above and beyond to help my colleagues out whenever I can.

But this never-ending need to please people has come at a cost, and I find myself in a position of wondering whether…

Perhaps I need a better work-life balance!

I reached a stage where I was doing way more than my job description directed. And I received absolutely no recognition for any of the extra work. The fact is that by volunteering for these additional services, along with my own workload, I was enabling my employer to take advantage of me.

So I have to come to terms with the fact that it’s time to stop. I need to consider what is required of me as an employee and deliver only on those expectations. This will leave me with time and opportunity to even out the balance. To put more emphasis on my own life, family, love and health so that I can regain control.

To take more breaks!

To take a lunch each and every day!

To work harder on the balance of love, life and happiness.

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