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I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality

ACE Ohio Women’s Network November 2, 2012 Franklin University. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality. Kathleen I. Powell Director, Career Exploration & Development Denison University. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality.

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I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality

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  1. ACE Ohio Women’s Network November 2, 2012 Franklin University I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Kathleen I. Powell Director, Career Exploration & Development Denison University

  2. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality • What is work-life balance? “There’s no such thing as Work-Life Balance. There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences.” Jack Welch, former GE CEO

  3. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality • The List! • Take Emily to school, or fill in the blank, dog to Kennel Kamp, Mother/Father to Elder Care…… • Keep my head above water at work…can you take on this project, have you thought about that program, what new initiatives are you considering, what professional development opportunities come to mind for you as you move through your career???????? • Spend more time with Richard…or fill in the blank, Tom, Dick, Mary! • The kids! The ……..what’s on your list???????

  4. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Decision-making: What effect will it have on our careers or our career trajectory? • What do we worry about/think about? • Does stage of life/career determine our choices? • What does that mean for the women in the room

  5. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality What the research tells us! • SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) conducted a study of American Work Life Balance which revealed the following: • Among 89% of Americans who say Work-Life Balance is a problem, 54% called a significant problem. • BlueSteps.com, the executive career management service of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), surveyed over 800 senior executives worldwide to discover: • 73% are often required to work between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 63% are often required to work weekends. • 70% believe that a modern lifestyle (e.g. blackberry, smartphones and internet) has decreased their leisure time. • Only 35% of executives take advantage of their allotted paid time off.

  6. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality What we know….. “Some” exit interviews conclude that work-life balance invariably comes as one of the most often cited reasons for exit. The “problem” with work-life balance suggests there is a trade-off. One must be up and the other side down…does the word “balance” suggest there are two aspects completely separate from one another Work and life stressors will keep on growing and increased expectations and choices around us push us to lead a “good life.” Is it time to think about Work-Life Integration?

  7. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality What is Work-Life Integration? • Exercising control and choice in your life to meet life’s challenges…what does that look like? Is it realistic? • Managing work responsibilities alongside your personal and family needs….what does this mean for you? • Where do life stages fit into this model? • Young college graduate? Ready to work 60 hours a week in their first years of their career to learn new skills, capacities • A new mom…or dad, taking time off for childcare and figuring out how to come back….does guilt/obligation/necessity play a role? • Mid-career may look different then “seasoned” and ready for the next stage of life • Job sharing, flex schedules: telecommuting, virtual work

  8. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Answering the questions around Work-Life Integration? • Do you want to keep work/personal life separate or are you fine with mingling both? • What is your focus for the next five years-career, family, society….what fits for you? • What de-stresses you? Is the notion of work-life balance (or integration) a cause of stress?

  9. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Gender Differences? Do they really exist? • What differences do you see, have you witnessed? • What can you do personally to change it, examples? • Does it matter to you?

  10. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality The health of it all…what we know! • For most working people today, “full time” now means 40 hours-AT A MINUMUM! • The American Institute of Stress claims that stress is America’s #1 health problem and “job stress is the major culprit.” • A StressPulse survey by EAP provider ComPsych found that the main causes of stress in respondent’s lives broke down as 46% attributable to workload, 28% attributable to personal issues, and 20% attributable to “juggling work/personal lives” • 40% of employees work overtime or bring work home with them at least once a week, Xylo Report, Shifts in Work and Home Life Boundaries. • 42% of workers have responsibility for children under 18 years of age, Labor Project for Working Families

  11. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality What we know! • Workers rate the ability to manage work and family as the most important aspect when they look for a job. Rutgers University and University of Connecticut Survey • 87% of workers are seeking or have sought companies that were flexible, supportive and understanding of personal and family needs. CareerBuilder Online Survey • 42% of college students and recent graduates said what they value most when making career decisions was work/life balance-more than money (26%), advancement potential (23%) or location (9%) NACE Research: Student SurveyReport • Opportunity for personal growth and development has supplanted opportunity for advancement as the top attribute among college students and recent graduates. NACE Research: The Class of 2011 Student Survey Report

  12. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Tips for a better work-life balance! • Build downtime into your schedule…what does that look like? Time for family, friends and activities that help you recharge! • Drop activities that sap your time or energy • Rethink your errands • Get moving • Remember a little relaxation goes a long way

  13. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality Take aways…… • Find a mentor! • Look for your allies/advocates within your work space and life • Make decisions that are right for YOU! • Find your sweet spot and hit it every week…find the things that bring you happiness…your brain needs to release happy hormones to keep you going • Take control of your life…you own it, you manage it, and…….

  14. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality • Career Advancement Concerns • Off-ramps and on-ramps • Glass ceiling

  15. I don’t know how she does it: a myth, a movie or reality • A special thank you to ACE Ohio Women’s Network and Denison University! • Kathleen I. Powell • Director, Career Exploration and Development • Denison University • Granville, Ohio 43023 • 740-587-6521 • powellk@denison.edu • Sources: • Center for Talent Innovation • Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology • ConciergeXpress • Harvard Business Review▪ March 2005, Off-Ramps and On-Ramps Keeping Talented Women on the Road to Success • New York Times • Forbes • Human Resources Blog • RealSimple.com

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