Work-life balance

20 May 2015, 13:07 pm
Speciality Bites by Paul Hargreaves

I was on holiday recently which transitioned into a period of sickness, as coincidentally, I went down with malaria during the holiday, which must be connected to a previous trip to the children’s centre in Kenya earlier this year or even before

The doctors are certainly confused, and I have been extremely frustrated with my normal abundant energy being removed from me as my ravaged red blood cells recover.

Any holiday certainly gives time for reflection, which is why I have always ensured I have had plenty of time out.  Apart from anything else others within the business have to pick up what I normally do, which can only have a positive effect on growth for the future.  I remember talking to a supplier at our last Supplier Conference (next one coming up 6-7th July this year by the way) who seemed to enjoy telling me he hadn’t had a holiday in 10 years.  Something has gone badly wrong there, I would suggest.  Either an inability to delegate and therefore grow the business or some kind of depressive addiction to work.  I am pleased to say neither affliction has overtaken me in this way.  Neither scenario makes for a successful business, so be warned!

Being hospitalised straight after my holiday gave even more time for reflection than normal, although the time in hospital was too drug-induced to be particularly useful at stepping-back and taking stock!  However, I am more convinced than ever we should be enjoying what we are doing.  It is a huge privilege to be doing a job I enjoy, and this shouldn’t be a privilege for the few but for the many.  If you aren’t enjoying your 9-6, or whatever it is these days, then change what you are doing within the business, ask for promotion or do something completely different.  Go on I dare you to be different, and take a risk.  The vast majority that do very rarely regret it! 

Very few people at the end of their working life, when sitting in front of the fire with pipe in hand, and slippers on feet, will think, “I wish I had spent more time in the office”.  It’s summer now, go on and sort out your work-life balance!

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