Balancing Career and Family
Does work consume too much of your time and attention to the detriment of your family time and your self-care? I tend toward overworking and am at risk for workaholism. My family regularly tells me they wish I were more available to play and relax with them. Frankly, being productive and earning money for my family are activities that are more satisfying for me than play. I have had to list “play” and “sushi date” on my Work To Do lists because I prioritize tasks.
My parents modeled a strong work ethic for me, which has served me well in life. Unfortunately, my compulsion to work too much can be fueled by anxiety and fear of scarcity. Working remotely has led to an unhealthy extension of my work hours and my digital availability. Surveys suggest that about 63% of employees in our country continue to check work emails after hours, the highest percentage in comparison to other countries (1). Folks, we are likely stretching ourselves too thin, allowing information overload, and putting ourselves at risk of burn out. That pattern generates irritability and impatience which usually spills over on to our loved ones. We are also modeling unhealthy behavior for our children.
How do you decide your vacation days? I tend to just not take them. There is a sick pride tied up in how hard and long I work… Did you know that in the Old Testament, God told Israel to take vacation days? Despite growing up in the church all my life, this was a surprise to me. There are several mandated vacations including Sabbath, Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23). We Christians don’t live by many of the Old Testament laws as some of them were lifted in the New Testament, such as the sacrificial system and the dietary laws. Even though we may not be required to abide by all Old Testament standards, I sensed God nudging me to counter my workaholism by taking time off for Passover this year. Due to differences in the lunar versus solar calendars, Passover begins on April 22. I am challenging myself to take the 1st and 7th day off as outlined in Leviticus 23:7-8. Blocking that time out, just two days, stirs up all kinds of weird tension in me.
If you see yourself in my description, would you consider taking on the following challenges?
Would you ask your family if you work too much?
Would you ask your family if it feels like you check work communication too often on your screen while at home?
Would you reconsider obeying God’s command to rest one day per week?
Would you consider celebrating an upcoming Biblically mandated vacation?
Reference:
2022 Anatomy of Work Report https://www.hrdive.com/news/notification-fatigue-productivity-asana/623419/
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