I have pondered since the term first surfaced… one’s work/life balance and its implication that these two concepts cannot and do not co-exist harmoniously. The current thrust is that one’s work is merely the revenue necessary to support all activities outside one’s professional activities. There are also innuendos that earlier generations dedicated their lives to their work as though it was a threat to their work/life balance.
I think back on my Dad, who dedicated himself to his Bauhaus designs as a Harvard/MIT architect. From his downtown office to his home office, to the napkins that he used at dinner to note down ideas, he was constantly designing better, more environmentally-enhancing structures that became hospitals, homes, and office buildings. Did he consider his life was imbalanced spending time designing buildings that still stand today? I never thought his work dedication was a burden as he always made time to paddle down the Susquehanna River in his Old Town wooden canoe with us.
Today, I see many entrepreneurs who are dedicated 24/7 to building their brands, jumping between inventory management and new product development, while finding a bit of time to catch a good wave or take on a new trail. There are our dedicated farmers who work in all climates to till the earth and provide the nuts for our almond milk, and beans for our plant-based diets, before attending their church picnic or neighboring rodeo. And those in the travel industry who work often long and unusual hours to fly us coast to coast, from the aviation mechanics to the crew and captain.
Work may be a four-letter word and to some, considered a burden, but truly, work represents one’s creativity, one’s ability to produce, to provide a new solution or save a life from a threatening disaster. Work is the demonstration of intelligence, perseverance, and that golden ‘Can-Do’ attitude. Work builds communities of the like-minded and dedicated. Work is the demonstration of aligned efforts toward known goals. The work of many provides safety, innovation, sustenance, mobility, health and education. The work of a few provides leadership and guidance.
From the innovators to the farmers, doctors, teachers, factory teams, service staff, truckers, and our creative team here at Christie & Co, your work is appreciated and admired. It is an honor to work together, building a better world, for all.
– Gillian