‘Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.’ — American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton
Work-life balance — it is something we all strive for but often find elusive, especially in fast-paced industries like journalism.
The idea of neatly separating professional responsibilities from personal time sounds great in theory, but in reality, it is rarely that simple.
For those in leadership roles or part of a team that relies on collaboration, stepping away entirely isn’t always an option.
Even when I am on leave, I often find myself checking messages, answering questions, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
But while this might seem like an endless struggle, I have realised that balance isn’t about completely switching off — it is about learning to manage responsibilities while making space for rest and rejuvenation.
In any workplace, there will always be last-minute questions, unexpected issues, or decisions that need to be made.
As someone who takes pride in ensuring things run smoothly, I find it hard to ignore these moments because I am technically on leave.
But instead of seeing this as a burden, I have started viewing it as part of the natural ebb and flow of work.
Rather than resisting the reality that work will occasionally cross over into personal time, I am learning to set boundaries that allow me to address what’s necessary without feeling overwhelmed.
For example, I no longer feel the need to be constantly available.
Instead, I allocate specific times to check in, respond to urgent matters, and then consciously step back.
This small shift makes a huge difference in allowing me to enjoy my time off without the lingering stress of unfinished business.
One of the biggest obstacles to true rest is not the work itself — it is the guilt of stepping away.
Many of us feel responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly, and when we are unavailable, we worry about burdening our colleagues.
But here’s what I have come to understand: trusting my team means believing they can handle things in my absence.
And more often than not, they are.
By fostering a culture of self-sufficiency, I can step back without worrying that everything will fall apart.
It is also important to remind ourselves that rest isn’t a luxury — it is essential.
Taking time off and truly disconnecting allows us to return to work refreshed, more focused, and ultimately more effective.
When I take care of myself first, I enhance my ability to support my team effectively.
Instead of striving for a rigid separation between work and life, I have started to see balance as something more fluid.
There will be times when work demands more of my attention, and there will be times when I can fully disconnect.
The key is to adapt and find ways to integrate both without feeling constantly pulled in different directions.
One practical step I have taken is setting clear expectations with my team.
Before I go on leave, I ensure that my colleagues have everything they need, assign tasks, and inform them of when I will be reachable and when I will not be.
This ensures that urgent issues are handled while enabling me to relax and enjoy my time off.
Another approach is shifting my mindset.
Instead of seeing work-life balance as a strict rule, I now treat it as an ongoing process — one that requires flexibility, trust, and self-awareness.
Some days will be busier than others, and that’s okay.
What matters is ensuring that over time, both work and personal life get the attention they deserve.
Rather than viewing work-life balance as a struggle, I am beginning to see it as an opportunity—to refine my time management, empower my team, and cultivate a healthier approach to work.
There’s no perfect formula, and that’s okay.
What’s important is recognising that balance doesn’t mean eliminating work stress — it means managing it in a way that allows for growth, both professionally and personally.
So while I may not be able to switch off completely when I am on leave, I can learn to let go of the unnecessary stress, trust my team, and embrace the moments of rest when they come.
After all, the work will still be there when I get back — but so will the life I am working hard to build.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
