Tips for Achieving Work-Life Harmony

One of the hardest truths I learned during my 20 years at EY is this: Achieving work-life balance may be impossible, but attaining WORK-LIFE HARMONY is within reach. The idea of a Big 4 balance—where everything fits neatly into place—is a myth. The real goal isn’t perfect equilibrium; it’s alignment. It’s about making sure the time you dedicate to work, ambition, and personal life aligns with your values — and feels right for you. 10 truths about achieving work-life harmony: #1. There isn’t a “right” ratio — only the right rhythm. Some weeks, work takes precedence. At other times, personal priorities come first. Harmony involves accepting that flow — and trusting that it balances out over time. #2. Guilt is a poor compass. If you’re always feeling guilty — whether for working too much or not enough — you're judging yourself by someone else’s standards. Set your own. #3. Ambition comes with a price — but it should be one you’re ready to pay. Long hours and late nights are part of life in the Big 4 — but they should fulfill a purpose you believe in. #4. Busyness does not equal fulfillment. Feeling overwhelmed isn’t a badge of honor. True harmony comes from knowing you’re investing your energy in what matters most. #5. Your values dictate the rules. If family time is sacred, safeguard it. If career advancement is your top priority, pursue it — unapologetically. #6. Harmony means learning to say no—without regret. Turning down a social event or declining an ambitious project doesn’t indicate failure; rather, it signifies a choice that aligns with your priorities. #7. You can’t “make time” — you can only take it. High achievers don’t find time for what matters — they seize it fiercely and deliberately. #8. Success isn’t measured by hours; it’s measured by impact. Some people work 70 hours a week and see no progress, while others focus for 40 hours and achieve great things. Effort is important, but results matter even more. #9. Setting boundaries is an act of respect—for yourself and others. Protecting your time isn’t selfish; it enables you to fully engage in every area of your life. #10. What feels “balanced” to you may look extreme to others — and that’s okay. Harmony isn’t about pleasing everyone — it’s about aligning your time and energy with what you truly value.

Prioritizing wellness is essential for thriving in tech. How do you take care of your well-being? As we celebrate National Wellness Month, I’d like to share three wellness tips that have helped me stay focused and balanced in our fast-paced industry: 1. Set Boundaries: It's easy to let work spill into personal time, but setting clear boundaries has been crucial for maintaining my well-being. I make sure to disconnect and recharge, which helps me stay productive and energized. 2. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine has been a game-changer. Whether it's a few minutes of meditation or simply taking a walk, mindfulness helps me stay present and reduces stress. 3. Foster Connections: Building strong relationships with colleagues and friends has been vital for my mental health. Having a support network to lean on during tough times makes all the difference. These practices have not only improved my personal life but have also enhanced my leadership at RingCentral. I've found that a well-balanced leader can better support their team and drive innovation. What are your top wellness tips for balancing life and work? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Finding work-life balance is honestly a constant struggle for me. It's not just a casual remark; I genuinely struggle with it. Despite my difficulties, I'm committed to maintaining a healthy balance between work and life. Here are a few strategies I've found helpful: - Clearly defining my work and personal time. I've set strict hours for work during the week, like from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. Anything outside of those hours is strictly reserved for personal time. - Making a conscious effort to limit the time I spend on work-related tasks when I'm at home. If my laptop is open, there's a temptation to dive into work, so I try to keep it closed unless absolutely necessary. - Managing my work-related activities on my phone is a major challenge. It's far too easy to get sucked into responding to emails or checking on work-related matters. I'm working on setting boundaries and limiting work-related use of my phone. - I prioritize filling my non-working hours with activities, especially ones that involve spending time with my family. With young kids, it often means shuttling them to various activities like ballet class and swim lessons, but I try to make sure we have quality time together as a family. - Having a supportive spouse who understands my struggle and helps keep me accountable is a huge asset. While it's not her responsibility to manage my work-life balance, having her support and encouragement is invaluable in keeping me focused on family when I'm at home. What about you? How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance? Any tips or strategies you swear by?

#########Happy Friday.#### "The Balancing Act of Family and Career: Tips for Finding Harmony" As dedicated professionals, we often find ourselves trying to meet the demanding expectations of our jobs while also cherishing our family time. It's a fragile balancing act that can feel like walking a tightrope—one slip, and it all could unravel. However, the benefits of achieving that perfect balance are profound. A flourishing career that offers both financial stability and personal growth. A loving family life brimming with care, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. The real challenge is ensuring that these two vital aspects of our lives coexist harmoniously. Throughout my journey, I've picked up several strategies that have helped me traverse this tightrope with more ease: 🔑 Establish Firm Boundaries: Guard your family time like it's your most prized possession. Whether it's dedicated movie nights, family outings, or daily rituals—these precious moments deserve to be protected. 🔑 Communicate Transparently with Employers: Have open discussions about your needs. Seek out flexible options—like remote work or customized hours—that help you honor your family commitments while pursuing your career goals. 🔑 Use Technology to Your Advantage: Streamline tasks, utilize planning tools, and be discerning about meetings and emails. These digital resources can carve out valuable time for the loved ones and activities you cherish most. 🔑 Share the Load and Seek Support: Reach out to your partner, family, or reliable colleagues. Sharing tasks at home and work can ease the burden and ward off burnout. 🔑 Make Self-Care a Priority: Set aside moments for activities that recharge you. Whether it's going for a run, diving into a favorite hobby, or enjoying quiet time—taking care of yourself is crucial for staying energized and focused in both areas. The path to balancing family and career is a continuous effort, but with effective strategies and a commitment to achieving harmony, thriving in both aspects of life is attainable. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences as well. Let’s tackle this balancing act together, step by step. What strategy are you using to be able to live a happy life ?