Finding Balance as a Woman and Working Professional
To quote America Ferrera’s character Gloria in the hit 2023 film Barbie, “It is literally impossible to be a woman.”
Her entire monologue from the film’s climax is full of pithy observations about the female experience, but there is a particular section that we would like to highlight:
“You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.”
This quote encapsulates one particular difficulty that contemporary women face (and which their male counterparts do not face in the same ways or to the same degree): having a healthy and fulfilling work-life balance where both personal and professional life goals can be achieved.
International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the achievements and contributions of women around the world, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges women face in their personal and professional lives.
To this end, let us explore the variety of factors, including societal expectations, gender roles, and the pressures of both work and home responsibilities, that can make balancing the demands of career and personal life particularly difficult for women.
Societal Expectations and Gender Roles
Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a significant role in the difficulties women face in achieving work-life balance. Historically, women have been expected to prioritise family and caregiving responsibilities over professional aspirations. Although these expectations have evolved over time, many women still feel the pressure to fulfill traditional roles as primary caregivers, which can create a conflict between career advancement and family responsibilities.
Furthermore, societal norms often dictate that women should excel in both their professional and personal lives. This expectation of perfection can lead to immense pressure and stress, as women strive to meet the high standards imposed by society. As a result, many women find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, which can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.
The Double Burden of Work and Home Responsibilities
One of the most significant challenges women face in achieving work-life balance, and one which is heavily tied with the societal expectations of gender roles, is the double burden of work and home responsibilities.
In heterosexual partnerships, even in households where both partners work, women often take on a disproportionate share of domestic duties, including childcare, household chores, and caregiving for elderly family members. This unequal distribution of responsibilities can make it difficult for women to find time for themselves and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this issue, as many women have had to navigate remote work while managing increased household responsibilities. The lack of boundaries between work and home life has blurred the lines, making it even more challenging for women to achieve a sense of balance.
Barriers to Career Advancement
Women often face unique barriers to career advancement that can impact their ability to achieve work-life balance. These barriers include the gender pay gap, lack of representation in leadership positions, and limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities. As a result, women may feel the need to work harder and longer hours to prove themselves and achieve their career goals.
Moreover, the lack of flexible work arrangements and supportive workplace policies can hinder women’s ability to balance their professional and personal lives. Many women may feel reluctant to request flexible work options, such as remote work or reduced hours, for fear of being perceived as less committed or ambitious. This reluctance can lead to burnout and diminished job satisfaction, further complicating the pursuit of work-life balance.
Mental Health and Well-being
The pressures of balancing work and personal life can have a significant impact on women’s mental health and well-being. The constant juggling of responsibilities can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Women may also experience guilt for not being able to meet societal expectations or for prioritising one aspect of their life over another.
It is essential for women to prioritise self-care and seek support when needed. This may include setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and seeking professional help if necessary. Employers also have a role to play in supporting the mental health and well-being of their female employees by promoting a healthy work-life balance and providing resources for stress management and mental health support.
Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance
While the challenges are significant, there are strategies that women can employ to achieve a healthier work-life balance. These strategies include:
- Setting Boundaries: Clearly defining boundaries between work and personal life can help prevent burnout and ensure that time is allocated for self-care and relaxation.
- Seeking Flexible Work Arrangements: Advocating for flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, can provide women with the flexibility they need to manage their responsibilities effectively.
- Delegating Tasks: Sharing household and caregiving responsibilities with partners, family members, or hired help can alleviate the burden on women and create a more equitable distribution of duties.
- Prioritising Self-Care: Taking time for self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation, is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
- Seeking Support: Building a support network of friends, family, and colleagues can provide emotional and practical assistance in times of need.
- Advocating for Workplace Policies: Encouraging employers to implement policies that support work-life balance, such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and access to childcare, can create a more supportive work environment for women.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge the unique challenges women face in achieving a healthy work-life balance. By understanding these challenges and implementing strategies to address them, women can better navigate the demands of their personal and professional lives.
It is also crucial for society and employers to support women in their pursuit of work-life balance by fostering an environment that promotes equality, flexibility, and well-being. To create a world where women have an equal opportunity to thrive both at work and at home, we all need to work towards it.
The Women in Leadership Scholarship
AIM Business School is committed to helping ambitious and deserving women gain the best opportunity to excel in their professional lives. Tuition costs are often one of the greatest barriers to accessing higher education study, which is why we made the Women in Leadership scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help establish gender equality in senior management teams and encourage greater diversity of thought with criteria based on:
Past Success: the applicant’s previous experience developing their professional talents and creating a positive impact for others
Present Contribution: the applicant’s current contributions to their organisation or community that demonstrates the ability to lead
Future Trajectory: the applicant’s desire and drive to advance their career, build responsibility, and support the development of the next generation of leaders
Successful applicants to this scholarship will receive a $500 reduction to every unit of study they undertake, up to a total value of $6,000.
Find Your Course at AIM Business School
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