It never fails. At least once a year, someone sitting around the after-dinner table throws out the old “what would you do if you won the lottery?” question.  Sigh. I hate that question! I hate it because I can’t help but ponder my life, where it’s going and what I’ve got to show for it so far… and it’s not that dreaming kind of ponder, it’s that ridiculous “oh ya right!” kind of pondering.

This time was different.

This time the question came around to “If money was not an issue what kind of work would you choose?”  I didn’t even have to think about it. You will think I’m being cheesy but this is the absolute truth: I would do exactly what I am doing right now. 90% of my time is spent on one client, The South Willamette Wineries Association. I love wine marketing and PR! It’s a romantic, sexy brand that is easy to sell, it’s a complicated and interesting business (I have so much to learn) and the people in our valley who own these beautiful properties are down-to-earth, passionate, friendly folks who are truly a pleasure to be around.The other 10% of my time is spent coaching and helping small businesses here in Eugene – mostly with social media but also with good old fashioned guerrilla marketing. Love it.

So for once, “that” lottery question did not leave me feeling forlorn and defeated.

What would you do for work if money was not an issue??

Did you know that October is National Work and Family Month?

On Oct. 14, 2009, both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate approved resolutions declaring October National Work and Family Month. Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

Dedicating a month to work and family issues encourages all workplaces to pause once a year and reflect on the progress already made on the journey to work-life effectiveness, to celebrate and then raise the bar moving on to even more pervasive progress.

The month is quickly coming to an end (can’t believe Halloween is already upon us!) and I almost missed National Work and Family month! Glad I stumbled upon Working Moms Against Guilt blog on twitter today (http://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com/).

I moved my office home 6 months ago. At first I thought that it has really helped with that “balance” thing, after all, I had more time to work, do the laundry, clean the house, take care of the yard,  and I get to see Chase more…that’s balance, right? I love working at home because I can stay on top of ALL my responsibilities, but do I have balance?  Maybe not on a day-to-day basis, but overall I think I’ve done a good job at infusing my busy schedule with fun. For instance, I camp with my friend Sandy and her kids almost every month of the year. I am great at skipping out for a long weekend. I make time for girlfriends too – as often as I can – it’s my fuel! I developed Fridays at Five as a way to step out of my day-to-day regime, have a little fun and still call it work (clever girl, huh?) All in all, I feel pretty balanced….Now if I could find the discipline to add “me Time” (ie the gym)…sigh. That one’s on me….

So, perhaps this month is about not only finding the balance between work and family, but also between work, family and fun (for me work and family is really work and work). I think it should be called National Work and Family and Fun month!

So, what can you do for your personal work/life balance during National Work & Family Month and FOREVER?

Resources:

Mom Blog

WorkingMother.com