Maybe This Is The Balance

I used to think work-life balance meant clocking out at exactly 5 PM, totally disconnecting, and then hitting Pilates, followed by dinner, skincare, journaling, parenting and a solid eight hours of sleep.

Well, that version of balance never happened. Not because I didn't want it, but because life just doesn't work in neat little halves.

Now, in my mid-30s, I think my generation has accepted this. We're not so hung up on chasing fancy titles to prove ourselves. We've been through all that hustle stuff. We did the whole sleep is for the weak thing. We've seen what burnout does, and a lot of us, especially working moms, quiet types, and those caring for both kids and parents, have learned to put ourselves first, even if it means taking it easier.

Sometimes work spills over into dinner. Sometimes I check emails while on the toilet (oops!). But sometimes, on a random weekday at 3 PM, I can chill and play with my kid, watch movie on Netflix, or just stare at the ceiling. That's balance, too.

I'm not climbing the corporate ladder like I used to. I still want to get better, but I'm not judging myself by my LinkedIn title anymore. I want calm. I want time. I want my daughter to remember that I was there, not just busy all the time.

And honestly, a lot of us are cool with our jobs now. We're not trying to impress the world anymore. We're just trying to make a life that feels good. Not perfect. Not Insta-worthy. Just real.

If I can pay the bills, travel now and then, and treat my parents to dinner without stressing, that feels pretty rich to me.

Maybe that's what balance looks like these days. Not a set schedule, but the chance to deal with life as it comes. And to say, I'm doing okay. This is fine. I'm good enough.