5 of 13

Write now Article Tools

10 things my job can't do

Blogger and professional personal coach David B. Bohl recently wrote of the importance of achieving balance in all aspects of your life including not letting a career or your entrepreneurship efforts spill over into all aspects of your personal life.

The link to some of his comments is here: http://reflectionscoaching.typ epad.com/reflections_on_balanc e/2007/05/the_workplace_s.html

As a part-time entrepreneur with a full-time career (at least for now), I can relate to this advise in both departments.

As rewarding and sometimes frustrating as both endeavors can be, I've decided to make a list of 10 things my work life can't provide to give me some perspective on the importance of those other areas and to serve as a reminder to always make time for them.

My job or business venture cannot:

1. Hold me at night or talk to me when I'm feeling lonely or depressed
2. Exude the same warm happy laughter of my nine year old son as he sits beside me on the couch watching one of his favorite movies on TV
3. Grant the peace and serenity I get when visiting that private oasis where I can recharge my batteries and gain new inspiration
4. Replace the time spent with family on a cozy back porch knowing that no matter what happens I'll always be welcome here
5. Substitute for the warmth and renewal of Spring, the lazy heat of Summer, the crisp clarity of Autumn or the chilled magic of Winter and all the sensations they bring
6. Equal the smile of that special someone or the electricity I still feel when we are together
7. Add one more minute to my appointed time here on earth or the time I have with those I love and cherish most
8. Match the smell of coffee or the taste of bacon and eggs on a lazy Sunday morning with no particular place to go
9. Duplicate the sound of a great Billie Holiday session or music by Robert Johnson or Artie Shaw's orchestra or the savory taste of grilled lamb kebab, tabouleh and hummus at a really great Syrian or Lebanese restaurant
10. Beat a long drive to someplace I've never been for a day of adventure

I'm sure you can come up with your own list as well. Do so and post it to your refrigerator. Put it on your website. Share it with a friend.

It will help to remind you that while work is a very important part of your life it isn't all of your life. As David Bohl writes:

"Remember to live the rest of your life as well."

Learn more about this author, Shawn Hessinger.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Views on working late: Looking for balance and avoiding burn-out?
We want to hear your view. Write now!