Does Work-life Balance Exist?

By Jesslyn Marquez

Entering your morning or night classes, It’s often that in that very same classroom, you are sitting next to someone that had previously, or will be having a shift to work. As the midterm wave starts to fade, it leaves everyone in a low battery state. Hence, is there such a thing as a work-life balance? It’s easy to believe that it doesn’t, and easier to drown in a sense of hopelessness. However, I bring forward 3 major pillars that may help you swim out of this mentality, regaining your strength and reassurance.

(1) What is your priority?

This varies between you and me, but it is an important question to start as it influences the next steps you will take. This will also make you reevaluate your values. Once you have accessed this, it’s easier to manage the time you dedicate a task you must complete. Where it is to complete a connect assignment, or a pending task you have in your shift.

(2) Ask for help

Being stuck in the routine of waking up, school and work can start to isolate you from the amazing resources around you, your peers! It’s not the easiest to go up to someone and ask to be friends, but you can always start small. Join your classes groupchats, say hi to the people sitting next to you. This can help you find a community whenever there is a time you can’t be in class, yet someone has your back. You can also find study buddies for whenever your next midterm comes up, bounce of ideas and help you feel confident. This can also apply to your

workplace as well!

(3) Don’t overwork yourself

There is a saying, “Too bite off more than you can chew” , and it might be the wisest saying there is. This also comes back to the first pillar. Assessing your priorities and values, while looking at all the work you have committed to, there might be some you have the control. It’s ok to let go of a certain task you can’t do and let other fellows take it. There will be many more opportunities you can take in the future, you must also prioritize yourself.

So, all the people that juggle work, life, and an endless list of commitments, my hats are off to you. Coming back to the question, does a work-life balance exist? I believe it does. But it isn’t something you simply find, but something you build. It starts with creating a system within yourself: setting & understanding your priorities, asking for help around you, and lastly, coming into terms that balance won’t look perfect every day or the same with other peers around you. In the end, work-life balance isn’t about splitting time evenly, but about creating a life that feels sustainable, intentional, and truly your own.