Work-Life Balance Tips

"Don't get married otherwise your career will be ruined." This was advised to me by many of my friends & acquittances 11 years ago, when I was about to start next phase of life. Today, they are willing to join my company. As a professional and a mother, I have experienced a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. My journey in the corporate world has been a balancing act, where every step forward has been accompanied by a juggling act of responsibilities. 🎢 🔹 The Balancing Act: Balancing the demands of a career and the joys of motherhood is no small feat. There have been days when I had to be present in important meetings while worrying about a sick child at home. Striking the right balance between work commitments and family needs has been an ongoing challenge. But it has taught me resilience and adaptability. 💪 🔹 Societal Expectations: Society often imposes unrealistic expectations on working mothers, making them feel guilty for pursuing their careers. It's crucial to challenge these stereotypes and celebrate the strength and determination of working mothers. I have learned to focus on my achievements and skills, rather than conforming to societal norms. 🌟 🔹 Facing Biases: Unfortunately, gender bias still exists in the workplace. As a working mother, I have encountered subtle prejudices that questioned my dedication and commitment. I combat these biases by proving my capabilities through hard work and determination, breaking down barriers for future generations. 🚧 🔹 Childcare Struggles: Finding reliable and suitable childcare options has been an ongoing struggle. Entrusting the care of my children to others was initially tough, but it allowed me to focus on my career knowing my children were in good hands. Building a support network of trusted caregivers and family members has been invaluable. 👶 🔹 Time Management: Managing time efficiently has been a critical skill to master. Between deadlines at work and ensuring quality time with my family, I've had to learn to prioritize effectively and delegate tasks when needed. Time management has helped me maintain productivity while also being present for my loved ones. ⏰ 🔹 Career Advancement: Advancing in my career has been an upward battle. The fear of being overlooked due to motherhood can be daunting. However, I've learned to advocate for myself, seek mentorship, and seize opportunities to showcase my capabilities, proving that motherhood is not a hindrance but a source of strength. 📈 Embracing the challenges as a working mother has enriched both my professional and personal life. Every obstacle has presented an opportunity for growth and learning. I am proud of the journey I have undertaken, and I hope my story inspires other working mothers to pursue their dreams without hesitation. Together, we can redefine success and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone. 🌈💼 #WorkingMother #CareerAndFamily #DiversityAndInclusion #SuccessStory

I've been thinking about writing this for a while, and I think it's finally time to pen it down, because it's SUCH an important discussion: Two conversations in the past few months have stayed with me. Both with brilliant women. Both in leadership roles. And both having the same reason for wanting to step back. The first was a senior team member who wanted to resign. Not because she didn’t enjoy the work (in fact she LOVED the work) — but because she was getting married and wasn’t sure how her in-laws would feel about her continuing to work. The second was someone we were excited to bring on board. She had accepted the offer; we were discussing the new product, she’d been involved in inner–circle meetings, brainstorming sessions even prior to joining.   And then, a few days back, she withdrew — her wedding was in December, and she felt unsure about committing to a new full time role. Both these incidents have left me heartbroken. Not just for the loss of strong talent — but for what it reflects. I’ve heard this narrative too many times: “Don’t hire women at that age, they’ll leave after marriage.” “Don’t promote her, she might start a family soon.” And even though I fight it tooth and nail, I sometimes catch myself wondering: Is this why women still feel like 'risky bets' in the eyes of so many employers? It’s frustrating. It’s unfair. And it’s exactly the kind of systemic conditioning we all need to break — as founders, as colleagues, as families. Because the real issue isn’t women leaving. It’s the silent pressure that convinces them they should. I don’t have a neat ending to this post. Only questions. And a hope that someday, a woman’s ambition won’t be seen as something to “manage” — but something to celebrate...

Reproductive coercion is not always loud. Sometimes, it comes disguised as love, tradition, or duty, and it derails a woman’s career silently, year after year. When a public leader admits to intentionally making his wife give birth every year to “destabilize her” and prevent other men from admiring her, we are no longer just talking about patriarchy. We are confronting abuse disguised as protection, sabotage disguised as care and control disguised as commitment. This is reproductive coercion and it happens more often than we think. Even in progressive, educated circles, at the workplace, in marriages and yes, religious communities. Some signs of reproductive coercion that sabotage ones career: - A partner who pressures you into getting pregnant when you’re just about to get promoted, or go back to school. -Discouragement from using birth control or family planning tools. -Guilt-tripping you for prioritizing your career over “expanding the family.” -Repeated pregnancies that you didn’t plan and a pattern of “you’ll have time later.” -Subtle manipulation during key career milestones -job offers, travel, promotions, sabbaticals. If this feels familiar: 1. Name it: Coercion thrives in silence. Speak to a therapist, a trusted friend, or a support group. Share this post, it may help someone in trouble. 2. Plan quietly: Map out your financial options and career backup plans -you are allowed to protect your autonomy. 3. Use discreet family planning: Talk to a medical professional you trust about options you can control privately. 4. Build a tribe: Surround yourself with women (and men) who believe in your dreams, not just your duties. 5. Document patterns: If you're in a legal or HR-covered space (workplace, health insurance, etc.), keep a private record. This isn’t a ‘women only’ or ‘feminist’ issue, but a human rights issue in general. You are allowed to want a family and a future and you are allowed to say no to being someone’s retirement plan. Let’s talk about it. #saynotoreproductivecoercion #justivyafrica

Am I really about to write this…….  It’s so disheartening to see that some age-old biases still rear their ugly heads in the professional sphere. Today, I had a conversation with a BRILLIANT senior candidate in the events industry, a single mother with an impressive skill set and an undeniable passion for her work. Yet, despite her qualifications and expertise, she found herself repeatedly overlooked for senior roles simply because she needed a modicum of flexibility to balance her career with her family responsibilities. Let's be clear: this isn't about a lack of talent or capability. This is about systemic biases that continue to disadvantage women, particularly mothers, in the workplace. It's a tale as old as time. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and flexible schedules became the norm for many industries. Companies adapted overnight to accommodate these changes, recognizing that productivity and performance are not confined to traditional office hours or locations. Yet, even as we navigate this new landscape, it seems that old prejudices die hard. It's time for a reality check. Women, especially mothers, should not have to choose between advancing their careers and being present for their families. The persistent gender gap in leadership positions is not due to a lack of qualified candidates but rather a failure of organizations to dismantle outdated norms and biases. When we overlook talented individuals simply because they prioritise caregiving responsibilities, we perpetuate a cycle of inequality that harms not only those directly affected but also stifles innovation and progress within our organizations. It's up to all of us – leaders, colleagues, and allies to challenge gender stereotypes and advocate for equity in the workplace. In the end, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords – they are fundamental principles that drive innovation, foster creativity, and propel companies forward. It's time to shatter the glass ceiling once and for all and create a world where talent, not gender, determines success! Rant over... but it truly struck a nerve. It's infuriating to witness, especially when exceptional candidates lose out. But mark my words, the company wise enough to hire her for her next role will undoubtedly emerge as the ultimate victors in the end! #GenderEquality #WorkplaceEquity #InclusionMatters #EmpowerWomen Anna Whitehouse

Ambition or marriage? For too long, I’ve been told I can’t have both. In a country where ambition isn’t considered ‘marriage material,’ I’ve heard it all: ‘Don’t work so hard,’ ‘Tone down your career goals,’ ‘Be more marriageable.’ These words have echoed in my life, shaping an internal conflict between my professional dreams and societal expectations. Recently, I faced my own bias head-on. Surrounded by powerful women working in gender justice, I made an assumption—surely, they must be single, childless, or without traditional families. It was a reflection of the societal narrative that says ambitious women can’t have it all. But I was wrong. These women, these fierce feminists, spoke about their husbands, children, and families with pride. They had it all—careers, families, and the freedom to be unapologetically ambitious. That moment shifted something in me. It made me confront the false dichotomy I’ve been conditioned to accept. Why should ambition and marriage be mutually exclusive? Why should the pursuit of professional success diminish my worth as a potential partner? According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, women who marry later and pursue their careers often enjoy more stable marriages, with couples marrying after the age of 25 being 50% less likely to divorce. This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s evidence that we can have it all and do it well. Yet, we’re still in a society where women are often expected to sacrifice their careers for their families or are discouraged from working altogether, as if the decision isn’t only theirs to make. In India, only 32% of married women are part of the workforce. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reports a significant number of Indian women leaving the workforce after marriage, more due to family or societal expectations that place domestic responsibilities above one's own professional aspirations. The lack of supportive work environments and the burden of household duties on them also play a role in this decline. To every woman who has been told to choose between her dreams and her personal life, to every person who believes ambition is incompatible with marriage—I’m here to say, we can have both. We deserve to have both. The world needs to see that powerful, career-driven women can also be loving partners, nurturing mothers, and pillars of their families. But for those who choose to focus solely on their careers or their homes—that choice is equally valid. What matters is that it’s a choice, not a concession to societal pressure. It’s time to challenge the narrative. Ambition is not a flaw; it’s a strength. And it’s entirely compatible with love, family, and marriage. Let’s redefine what it means to be ‘marriage material.’ Because the modern woman can—and should—aspire to everything she desires, on her own terms. #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #Feminism #WomenInLeadership #WomenSupportingWomen #GenderJustice

"You can have it all." That’s what we were told growing up, right? A brilliant career. A happy family. A beautifully balanced life. But the truth? For many women, having children doesn’t just pause your career—it can derail it entirely. I know, because it happened to me. In 2020, I was one of the 74,000 mothers every year who lose their jobs because they got pregnant or took maternity leave. The pandemic was the final blow. I was made redundant from a job I loved—part-time, in recruitment, at one of the Big 4. What followed? A soul-crushing search for part-time work where every opportunity seemed to come with a massive pay cut or zero flexibility. Recruiters would disappear the minute I mentioned part-time hours. And it turns out, I wasn’t alone. A new article in The Times reveals that 74% of millennial women and 71% of Gen Z believe having children ruins your career. That’s heartbreaking—but not surprising. Because the working world was never really designed for us, was it? Not for mothers. Not for women who want to grow their families and their careers. Not for anyone trying to make work, well… work. That’s why I started Investing in Women—because I didn’t want to be forced into a career step-down just to make family life function. And I know so many others feel the same. So, to all the women quietly juggling, compromising, or walking away from careers they love—this isn’t your fault. It’s the system that’s broken. But you’re not alone—and we’re not giving up. ❤️

Unpaid household work | Men:88 mins - Women:289 mins Unpaid caregiving | Men:75 mins - Women:137 mins Paid employment | Men:473 mins - Women:341 mins Women work as much as men, if not more, They’re just not getting paid/appreciated for even half of it. Even in urban homes, even with domestic help, the mental load, the - “Did the milk come?” - “Is the uniform ironed?” - “Did the kid eat lunch?” still mostly falls on women. And yes, I’ve been guilty of ignoring it too. Meanwhile, Ashima was running the show at home with her Clinic. So here’s what I’m learning (and unlearning): 1) Invisible work is still work If it takes energy, time, and sacrifice, it counts. 2) Help without being asked If you need instructions to help, you’re not really helping. 3) Share the load, not just praise “Thanks for doing this” is a nice gesture. “Let me take this today” is better. 4) Don’t glorify imbalance We don’t need to celebrate women for doing it all. We need to change the system that forces them to and maybe help them. This post isn’t just about numbers. It’s about acknowledging the weight women carry quietly, daily, without a job title or salary attached. If you're wondering how to fix this: - Sit down with your partner. Ask what you don’t see. - Divide tasks like you divide budgets at work. - Model this behaviour for your kids. Especially your sons. Because respect isn’t just about words. It’s about participation. And it starts at home. #WorkLifeBalance #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #LifeAtWork

50 people in India commit suicide every week due to career issues or poor work-life balance. Around 53% of Indian employees feel stressed due to long working hours and heavy workloads. Do you feel the same? If yes, you’re not alone. Currently, I work more than 12 hours daily and feel the same. One thing we can all agree on is that finding enough hours in the day for work and passions can be tough. Here are a few tips I personally follow to balance my work and life: ✅ 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬: Group similar tasks together. For example, handle all your emails in one go and make phone calls in another block. This reduces mental switching and boosts efficiency. I tackle emails first thing in the morning and client calls after lunch. ✅ 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤: Break your day into chunks for different tasks. It helps you stay organized and focused. I reserve 9-11 AM for deep work like writing my book or reports and 3-4 PM (after lunch) for admin tasks. ✅ 𝟖𝟎/𝟐𝟎 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞: The Pareto Principle says 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Focus on high-impact tasks. For me, client consultations are most productive, so I prioritize them. ✅ 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞: Make your workspace inviting. Add plants or natural light. I put a plant on my desk and moved it near a window. It’s amazing how much it improved my mood and productivity. ✅ 𝐒𝐚𝐲 "𝐘𝐞𝐬" 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮: We often say "yes" to others and forget our own needs. Prioritize your goals and passions. I carve out an hour each evening for my passion project before anything else. What are your go-to time management hacks? Share in the comments and let's help each other achieve a better work-life balance! 🌟 #career

As someone who works 7 days a week, I have had to create weekends and strict rest periods inside my days of active work. Saturday and Sundays are more led with personal tasks but I can't fully disconnect from the mission on weekends and so day naps, strict working days of 10am-3am and working after 8pm (the kids bedtime) become a method of achieving all of my goals and commitments. My consideration for you is: Clarify your values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. Identify your core values and aspirations in both your professional and personal spheres. Understanding what is most important will help you make more aligned choices. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Determine specific times and spaces dedicated to work, and make a conscious effort to disconnect and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work. Communicate your boundaries to colleagues, clients, and loved ones to foster respect and understanding. Prioritise self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Prioritise self-care activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, such as exercise, quality sleep, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it enables you to show up as your best self in all areas of life. Assess your workload: Evaluate your workload and responsibilities realistically. Be mindful of taking on too much and learn to delegate or say no when necessary. Recognise that you have limitations, and it is essential to avoid burnout by finding a sustainable balance between productivity and rest. Foster open communication: Engage in open and honest communication with your employer, colleagues, and loved ones about your work-life balance priorities. Clearly express your needs and concerns, and seek solutions that accommodate both personal and professional commitments. Collaborative dialogue can lead to mutually beneficial arrangements. Embrace flexibility: Explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. Flexibility can help create more space for personal pursuits and enable a better integration of work and life responsibilities. Practice mindfulness and presence: Cultivate mindfulness by being fully present in the present moment, whether you are at work or engaged in personal activities. By focusing on the task at hand, you can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and derive greater enjoyment from your experiences. Regularly reassess and adjust: Recognise that work-life balance is a dynamic process. Regularly assess your approach, considering your changing circumstances and priorities. Adjust your choices and commitments accordingly to maintain a harmonious equilibrium over time.

Work will take all the time you give to it. This thought came up today in the classroom I was teaching, and it made me reflect on the times I’ve let work steal time from other things that truly matter. I once told my husband, 'I just need 20 minutes to respond to a few work emails, and then we can watch the movie.' Famous last words. Two and a half hours later, I walked into the living room… only to find him asleep on the couch, with a note next to him that read, 'You meant 200 minutes?' That was a pretty clear sign that work had taken more than its fair share of time that night. Since then, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep work from creeping into every corner of my day. Here are three tips that have helped me (and saved my evenings!): (1) Set clear boundaries: It’s easy to get sucked into work and lose track of time. Now, I set specific work hours and stick to them. They vary by day, depending on what is on the agenda. The laptop gets closed at a set time, and the phone stays close to it, out of sight. If something urgent comes up… well, it can wait until tomorrow. (2) Prioritize what's really important: I used to think every email and task was top priority, and I’d reply within hours. Now, I focus on the three most important things each day. If it’s not on that list, it doesn’t get my immediate attention. (3) Practice saying no: I used to say yes to most things—meetings, projects, you name it—thinking I could squeeze it all in. But it turned out I was squeezing out time for other parts of my life I cared about. Learning to say no (politely) has freed up my time for things I enjoy, like movie nights. It’s easy to let work take over, especially when we love what we do. But with some boundaries, we can reclaim our time… and make space for the people and moments that matter most. #timeManagement #time #work #life #relationships #planningFallacy #leadership #boundaries