By Khalilah Starks

On Monday, I delivered a presentation on work life balance. And, last night, I was invited to attend a book signing for “Good Enough Is The New Perfect,”, a book that focuses on work life balance from a mom’s perspective. The book signing was great! I had the opportunity to discuss my own work life balance challenges and was comforted to hear similar stories of women juggling careers and motherhood. After attending both of these events, I was compelled to write about my personal take on work life balance.

It’s quite a challenge to become and maintain the status of a high powered professional while balancing family priorities. Early in my career, I never worried about work life balance. In fact, I routinely worked 12 hour days on my first job without any problem. On my next job, I remember practically living out of a suitcase because I traveled so frequently. It wasn’t until I was blessed with the title of “Mommy” that I started to consider work life balance to be an issue. Today, I balance the priorities of my daughter, my job, and my blog which isn’t easy. And, I have the nerve to want a social life too! But, my story isn’t unique. I’ve come across lots of men and women, who are performing this balancing act on a daily basis.

People often say to me, “I don’t know how you do it!” Well, I can tell you, it takes a whole lot of effort. So, here are some lessons that I’ve learned through my own balancing act.

1. When considering new employment opportunities, do your research to determine how your prospective employer views work life balance. Employers who offer great work life balance policies and programs are typically proud and eager to share this with applicants. These are the companies that you will want to pursue. Magazines like “Working Mother” provide lists of top employers for working moms. Be careful when asking about their work life philosophies.

2. Consider changing industries. Some industries are more family friendly than others. For example, public sector employees tend to place more value on work life balance. However, work life balance does exist in the private sector. You just have to do your research to find those industries and organizations.

3. Play with the cards that you’ve been dealt. I would love to spend an hour at the gym after work or take a Spin class, but I don’t have time. So instead, I’ve started working out during my lunch hour a few times a week. A quick 25-minute workout around the track is the best that I can do. And, sometimes the only time that I have to write is late at night after my daughter is asleep (when I’d rather be sleeping too).

4. Set aside sacred time for you and your family. Wednesday evening is fun night in my household. And, my daughter looks forward to it because she knows that this is our time to have fun – no blogging, no social media – just fun. Unfortunately, last night’s book signing prevented me from keeping our fun night date.

5. Set aside individual project time. While you catch up on work (your project), each family member spends time on their own personal projects. I have an artist on my hands. So, while I’m writing, she can create her next artistic masterpiece.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything that I have thus far without having a wonderful support network.

7. Understand that everything can’t be perfect. I used to pride myself on having an immaculately clean house. That’s certainly not the case nowadays. That clutter may need to stay there an extra day before I can get to it, and it is okay.

8. Accept that everything won’t be perfect. The concept of “good enough” is the new normal for professionals who are juggling careers and family.

I’m interested in hearing from you! What are some of your work life balance challenges? And, what are you doing to overcome them?