Work-Life Balance Confessions: Conversations & Advice on Finding a Balance That Works For You

Dalya Wittenberg
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  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when juggling the competing demands of work and life, or if you’re simply curious about how others manage their time and priorities, then this is the podcast for you. Each episode covers the work-life balance confessions of people from all walks of life - in person or anonymously - with the purpose of celebrating individual approaches to pursuing balance, and learning from one another. Whatever your work or home commitments, finding the right blend to create a harmony that suits you is a fine balancing act. Join us to listen to stories and tips to enlighten and inspire.

  1. 57: On Defining Success, Learning From Adversity & Regaining Balance by Asking Two Key Questions

    5D AGO

    57: On Defining Success, Learning From Adversity & Regaining Balance by Asking Two Key Questions

    In this episode, featuring Erika Coleman, Erika shares insights from her mentor and personal experiences, highlighting the transformative power of adversity. The conversation delves into the importance of seeking balance in relationships, setting boundaries, experiencing burnout, managing panic attacks, and the role of religion, community, and well-being in achieving balance. Key takeaways include: Valuing quality over quantity in relationships and recognizing the need for balance in various aspects of life;The exploration of work-life balance through the A Fine Balance 'Three Pillars of Balance' model;The impact of overachievement and burnout, grief and mental well-being;The role of sleep in balance;Confronting mortality and balance, and setting priorities and intention.The valuable lessons learned from difficult circumstances and the importance of self-reflection and self-compassion. Episodes Referenced: 10: On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome-Katie's Storyhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-on-finding-balance-in-grief-being-a-high/id1570430336?i=1000602674042 34: Work, Life, Balance Self-Assessment: a Tool for Reflecting on Your Personal Pursuit of Balance https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/34-work-life-balance-self-assessment-a-tool-for/id1570430336?i=100067839944147: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/47-on-legacy-purpose-and-finding-work-life-balance/id1570430336?i=100070848688548: The Pursuit of Balance When You're Grieving - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #13 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/48-the-pursuit-of-balance-when-youre-grieving-work/id1570430336?i=1000710242124 Chapters 00:00 Exploring Work-Life Balance07:14 Grief and Mental Well-being14:32 Confronting Mortality and Balance24:21 Setting Priorities and Intention54:39 Seeking Balance in Relationships01:04:15 Managing Panic Attacks and Techniques for Coping01:10:21 Religion, Community, and Well-Being

    1h 19m
  2. 56: Rebrand Announcement for 2026 and Welcome to Season Five

    JAN 23

    56: Rebrand Announcement for 2026 and Welcome to Season Five

    This short solo episode welcomes listeners back to the podcast in 2026 and shares the exciting update about the podcast's rebrand: what's changing, what's not changing, and why. We cover: Why I'm bringing the "confessional" aspect of the podcast to the forefront.Why the term "work-life balance" isn't such a 'dirty word' after all.And how this rebrand aims to make the podcast easier for new listeners to find. Listeners are invited to vote for their favourite new podcast cover art. Get in touch in the usual ways to have your say! The first Work-Life Balance Confessions episode of Season 5 is coming soon so subscribe to be notified when new episodes are ready to download.

    11 min
  3. 55: BONUS EPISODE: Review of 2025

    12/23/2025

    55: BONUS EPISODE: Review of 2025

    In this conversation, I look back over the personal stories and insights from various guests throughout 2025. The episode covers challenges such as overwhelm, grief, and neurodiversity, while also providing practical tips for enhancing balance. Key themes include the importance of gratitude, the impact of perfectionism, and the necessity of sleep in achieving a harmonious life. The conversation emphasizes that finding balance is a personal journey, shaped by individual experiences and choices. Takeaways Work-life balance is a personal journey that varies for everyone. Gratitude can significantly improve your work-life balance. Overwhelm and burnout are common challenges in maintaining balance. Neurodiversity presents unique challenges to achieving work-life balance. Feeling underwhelmed at work can be as detrimental as burnout. Practical tips, like time management and sleep, are essential for balance. Perfectionism can skew your sense of balance in life. Sharing personal experiences at work can foster understanding and support. Grief can profoundly impact one's ability to maintain balance. The three pillars model of individuality, fluidity, and intentionality is a helpful framework. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Work-Life Balance Challenges 11:56 Personal Stories of Overwhelm 13:53 Infertility and Work-Life Balance 14:02 Grief and Its Impact on Balance 20:53 Financial Pressures on Work-Life Balance 22:11 Neurodiversity and Individual Needs 23:17 Feeling Underwhelmed at Work 24:19 Practical Tips for Enhancing Balance 29:03 The Three Pillars Model of Balance 31:45 Finding Balance as a Journey Keywords work-life balance, personal stories, overwhelm, grief, neurodiversity, fulfillment, practical tips, sleep, perfectionism, lessons learned

    33 min
  4. 54: On Self-Worth, Skincare Rituals, and Finding Balance Under the Weight of Parental Expectations

    11/12/2025

    54: On Self-Worth, Skincare Rituals, and Finding Balance Under the Weight of Parental Expectations

    My guest this episode is no stranger to mixing things up: she has moved countries and even continents multiple times in her life; she is a scientist with a PhD, describes herself as an artist, and has gone on to train as a Reiki master; and now she literally mixes things up as the creator of her own skincare brand, combining evidence-based science with the wisdom of ancient healing philosophy. Her name is Dr Fernanda da Silva Tatley, and throughout our conversation we touch on: *How living in different countries expands your cultural horizons and influences your values around work and everything else in life; *Growing up with aspirational parents that object to idleness, and the impact this has on work values; *Reflections of parenting, with the hindsight that comes when your children reach adulthood; *How to find a work-life balance when you want to pursue a different career path than the one you originally chose; *How self-care and self-love can enhance your overall sense of balance. RELATED PODCAST EPISODES: 11: On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority - Gilles' Story - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Brf0XTFazLQWazVrIBxeX?si=9MqB7MZ6SKaeqwRqgEj0GA49: On Accountancy, Regaining Balance After Heartbreak, and the Power of a Good Night's Sleep - Victoria Mortimer's Story - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/put3qwnqfYb 50: Celebrating the Podcast's 50th Episode - Top Three Work-Life Balance Lessons, Listener Confessions and Surprise Guest Appearances - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7elEGXUXl6izQyIUzQHV5s?si=pPLe9knlRkiScMeA8UKr5A

    1h 29m
  5. 53: On The Interplay Between Productivity and Work-Life Balance - Lyndsey Segal's Story

    10/03/2025

    53: On The Interplay Between Productivity and Work-Life Balance - Lyndsey Segal's Story

    Productivity is the metric by which so much of our working and home lives are measured. On the surface, it's all about getting done what you need to get done. And who doesn’t feel good when you get lots of things you need to do done, right? Yet, what’s the interplay between productivity and work-life balance? Does being more productive – so, for example getting more ticked off that proverbial to-do list – result in an improved work-life balance? Or does even the concept of being productive create more pressure in what are already overloaded work and personal lives, that the pursuit of productivity itself hinders the pursuit of balance? My guest this episode – Lyndsey Segal, who is a business coach, trainer and speaker who specialises in time management and productivity - was just the person to broach this subject with. I am delighted to host this conversation with Lyndsey to get her professional take on how addressing your approach to productivity can enhance your work-life balance. Lyndsey also shares her own “work life balance story” of shifting from a career in teaching to becoming a stay-at-home-mum, and then retraining as a business coach and setting up her own business. I hope listeners will enjoy learning both from what Lynsey practices and what she preaches, and will be left with somepractical tips to apply to your own work and home lives, not just to become more productive, but to find a balance that works for you. RELATED BLOG POSTS AND PODCAST EPISODES: What the hell is “work-life balance” anyway? https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/10/11/what-the-hell-is-work-life-balance-anyway/What’s in a Name? https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/09/05/whats-in-a-name/1: On Self-Care, the Power of Positive Mindset, and Finding Balance in Mid-Life - Soli Lazarus' Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cuPEwWW1YXvWBOqDo7oYH?si=sJ_yOMwARDOUga4ph28G2w40: How to Find a Work-Life Balance by Working More - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #9: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/02/12/how-to-find-a-work-life-balance-by-working-more-new-podcast-episode-out-today/44: Time-Management Tips to Improve Your Work-Life Balance - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #11: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/07/time-management-tips-to-improve-your-work-life-balance-new-podcast-episode-out-today/47: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You’re Working as a Politician and Elected Official - Johnson Situ's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/05/15/on-legacy-purpose-and-finding-work-life-balance-when-youre-working-as-a-politician-and-elected-official-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

    1h 18m
  6. 52: On Being Bored and Unfulfilled at Work, Virtual Assistant Diary Management Tips, and Finding Work-Life Balance by Quitting Your Corporate 9-5 and Starting Your Own Business - Rachel Green's Story

    09/08/2025

    52: On Being Bored and Unfulfilled at Work, Virtual Assistant Diary Management Tips, and Finding Work-Life Balance by Quitting Your Corporate 9-5 and Starting Your Own Business - Rachel Green's Story

    Burnout at work can be like a fire that flames intensely until it eventually devours all its fuel and extinguishes in exhaustion. Conversely, boredom at work can be more of a fading ember, gradually fizzling out into oblivion. What they have in common, however, is their potential to lead to a similar work-life balance tipping point, where a person is prompted to make drastic choices in pursuit of regaining their balance. Whilst many guests on this podcast have described experiences of burnout, this episode features one of few that have described the experience of being so bored and unfulfilled at work that they needed to break out of their situation and start afresh. If you find yourself feeling uninspired and in need of some motivation, this episode - featuring founder and CEO of a virtual assistant agency WOW MOM, Rachel Green - is for you.  Besides sharing the story of quitting her 9-5 corporate job and setting up her own business, Rachel shares her top diary management tips, and also talks about how her reaction to other people's judgements of her has shaped her work-life balance choices.  RELATED EPISODES: 46: How to Find Work-Life Balance When You Feel Judged - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #12: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IyVW0qgBJQiXBy7NANAD3?si=dG_stNU1Q1uE904bmTnmrA 44: Time-Management Tips to Improve Your Work-Life Balance - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #11: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yeHpQMcrWfjENnmrQJftO?si=l1wiKq1YRrqREJGalknFlA 31: The Pursuit of Work-Life Balance When You’re Single and Looking for Love - Katie McNamara’s Story:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3adn58AOuZU3UkJJyWzu08?si=f8OEGtdISOGOGH0NoTXdtQ 10: On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome-Katie Ford's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fb3ZcRFWigo7iOLUN4vss?si=4pDRWzLAQcG4dMRm37eGCQ

    1h 6m
  7. 51: On Autism, Conscientiousness, Self-Acceptance, and the Pursuit of Work-Life Balance as a Neurodivergent Person in a Neurotypical World - Helen Jeffries' Story

    07/23/2025

    51: On Autism, Conscientiousness, Self-Acceptance, and the Pursuit of Work-Life Balance as a Neurodivergent Person in a Neurotypical World - Helen Jeffries' Story

    I'm sorry to say that I've had to include a trigger warning at the start of this podcast episode, to warn listeners that some of the themes touched on throughout my recorded conversation with Helen Jeffries - a Senior Civil Servant in the UK Government, a prolific blogger on autism, a Trustee for the charity Ambitious about Autism, and an accomplished musician - are of a heavy nature, including a discussion on suicide. Herself autistic, Helen's work-life balance story is told through the lens of someone that lives and works with autism. And the sad truth of the matter is that autistic people - and neurodivergent people more broadly - face tough challenges when juggling work and other things in life in a world designed for neurotypical brains. The impact on their mental health can be significant, and throughout our conversation, Helen draws some vital attention to this reality, which is both enlightening and sobering. It's not easy to hear, but for those of us that live and work with neurodivergent people (which, let's face it, is most of us), it's an important insight. And I hope that those listening who themselves are autistic, or neurodivergent in another way, take comfort, courage and inspiration from listening to Helen's work-life balance story. It's not all doom and gloom mind you. As much as this episode is about recognising the additional challenges that autistic people face in their pursuit of balance, it is also about strength, honesty, and being unapologetically yourself. We touch on the role that societal expectations play too, as well as how a person's faith and religion impacts their sense of work-life balance. Helen also provides a unique perspective on the work-life balance foibles of neurotypical people - listen to the end of the episode to learn from her astute and thought-provoking observations! You can follow Helen Jeffries' blog at: https://helenjeffries.wordpress.com RELATED EPISODES/LINKS: Ali’s Story – Artistic License: When ‘work’ is life, and ‘life’ is work – Dyslexia and the Trappings of Domesticity: https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/02/24/alis-story/ 45: On Infertility Struggles, Undesired Childlessness, and How to Regain Balance and Find Your Purpose When You Find Yourself in Unexpected Circumstances - Lana Manikowski's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39rxsuhudvR91mOFvMPv24?si=A26y_e06S4CkTeSsDsiabw 40: How to Find a Work-Life Balance by Working More - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #9: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08eUqMnAZE3QjJyUUYhGQQ?si=RLGWJe6mQ6y2OAl7SlH8eg 38: How to Find a Work-Life Balance When You’re a Perfectionist – Work, Life, Balance Lesson #8: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oVY4srbWNoD1us2jWNsW1?si=hwhqJT4uR2it3IMxsTTjbQ 29: DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL: Pursuing a Work-Life Balance When You’re Disabled - Emma Livingstone’s Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A98AP9zTkMzg9TYMDoC9J?si=Klo6jU_LQ12coM9fwZ1kFg 21: Finding Work-Life Balance as an Introvert in a Family and Workplace of Extroverts - Rami Madbouli’s Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gZWfgqu0KGzinvsFLH9bB?si=WlI7in6oQdSzh7Fj7fiE9g 14: On Pride, Acceptance & Finding Balance by Parenting Equally While Working Full-Time-Paul's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YPLrhoJhTGHRVNfftAsKS?si=MNSOxxqWSVyYqqPrc_g7BQ

    1h 5m
  8. 50: Celebrating the Podcast's 50th Episode - Top Three Work-Life Balance Lessons, Listener Confessions and Surprise Guest Appearances

    07/06/2025

    50: Celebrating the Podcast's 50th Episode - Top Three Work-Life Balance Lessons, Listener Confessions and Surprise Guest Appearances

    What do turning 4 and hitting 50 have in common? Together they mean that the podcast A Fine Balance: Work-Life Balance Confessions is officially old enough to contain some wisdom, but still in its infancy and curious to learn more. This month not only marks the podcast’s 4th birthday, but also the major milestone of its 50th episode. To celebrate, we’ve pulled out all the stops with a special 50th episode, which includes: ✨ Special guest appearances📢 Listener work-life balance confessions📈 A countdown of the Top 3 Most Downloaded Work-Life Balance Lessons of all time …and a few more surprises besides. Whether you've been with us since episode one or just tuning in, this is the perfect time to (re)subscribe and join the conversation. Don’t miss out on our most exciting episode yet!

    1h 2m
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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when juggling the competing demands of work and life, or if you’re simply curious about how others manage their time and priorities, then this is the podcast for you. Each episode covers the work-life balance confessions of people from all walks of life - in person or anonymously - with the purpose of celebrating individual approaches to pursuing balance, and learning from one another. Whatever your work or home commitments, finding the right blend to create a harmony that suits you is a fine balancing act. Join us to listen to stories and tips to enlighten and inspire.

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