Work-Life Balance Confessions: Stories and Tips to Enlighten and Inspire How to Juggle What Matters

Dalya Wittenberg
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by 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. 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

    SEP 8

    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
  2. 51: On Autism, Conscientiousness, Self-Acceptance, and the Pursuit of Work-Life Balance as a Neurodivergent Person in a Neurotypical World - Helen Jeffries' Story

    JUL 23

    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
  3. 50: Celebrating the Podcast's 50th Episode - Top Three Work-Life Balance Lessons, Listener Confessions and Surprise Guest Appearances

    JUL 6

    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
  4. 49: On Accountancy, Regaining Balance After Heartbreak, and the Power of a Good Night's Sleep - Victoria Mortimer's Story

    JUN 9

    49: On Accountancy, Regaining Balance After Heartbreak, and the Power of a Good Night's Sleep - Victoria Mortimer's Story

    In this episode of 'A Fine Balance Work-Life Balance Confessions', I'm joined by Victoria Mortimer, a finance director and life coach, to talk about the intricacies of work-life balance from the perspective of the accountancy profession. We explore the juggles of personal finance management, emotional well-being, and the importance of open communication in relationships. Victoria shares her journey from a demanding corporate job to finding fulfilment in a balanced life, emphasising the emotional aspects of money management and the significance of self-reliance. The conversation highlights the fluidity of balance and the need for intentionality in personal and professional choices. Takeaways: Work-life balance is deeply personal and varies for everyone. Emotional aspects of money management can impact decision-making. Open communication about finances is crucial in relationships. Finding a fulfilling job can enhance overall life satisfaction. Self-reliance is key to personal growth and stability. Awkward conversations often lead to better understanding and resolution. Flexibility in work arrangements can improve work-life balance. Meditation can help manage stress and clarify thoughts. Recognising when to seek help is important for mental health. Balance is not a fixed state but a fluid and evolving process. Chapters 00:00 The Unlikely Accountant: Breaking Stereotypes 02:54 Emotional Aspects of Finance 03:29 Risk and Financial Decisions in Relationships 04:52 Navigating Finances in Partnerships 05:46 Work-Life Balance: Finding the Right Ratio 06:16 The Importance of Sleep and Routine 08:20 Personal Stories and Influences 15:18 Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Immersion 17:17 The Fluidity of Work-Life Balance 19:41 Redefining Balance: Beyond the Traditional Notion 22:39 Intentionality and Individuality in Career Choices 27:05 The Impact of Work Environment on Happiness 33:23 Finding Meaning and Fulfilment in Work 39:20 Healing from Heartbreak and Embracing Independence 40:54 Shaping Identity Through Experiences 41:49 The Power of Meditation for Mental Clarity 43:55 Recognising Burnout and Making Changes 46:59 Confronting Difficult Conversations 48:16 Work-Life Balance and Flexibility RELATED EPISODES/LINKS: On Working in Corporate Jobs: 25: On Marketing, Corporate Cultures, Having Fun, and Asking for Help: Dan Knowlton's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/05/22/on-marketing-corporate-cultures-having-fun-and-asking-for-help-new-podcast-episode-out-now-featuring-dan-knowlton/ 11: On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority - Gilles Dahan’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/02/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-3-out-now/ On Managing Personal Finances, Money & Debt: 37: On the Hidden Impact of Debt, Body Image Struggles, and Being “Replaceable” – Lorna McKenna’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/01/11/on-the-hidden-impact-of-debt-body-image-struggles-and-being-replaceable-on-work-life-balance-lornas-story-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

    1h 7m
  5. 48: The Pursuit of Balance When You're Grieving - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #13

    MAY 28

    48: The Pursuit of Balance When You're Grieving - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #13

    They say that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes. So given that death, and coming to terms with loss, is something that we will all encounter at some point in our lives, thinking about the interplay between bereavement and work-life balance seems like an essential, albeit difficult, thing to talk about. In this solo episode of "A Fine Balance:Work-Life Balance Confessions", I broach the subject in a stripped back, simple way, different to my usual “Work, Life, Balance Lessons” format. Because what can we really learn about finding balance when you’re grieving? Grief doesn’t come with a lesson plan, or a neat and tidy formula or check list. Instead, I share examples of podcast conversations where grief has surfaced. And I let them speak for themselves. The examples aren’t intended to advise; they’re not meant to fix anything. They’re just reminders that when we talk about balance, sometimes that means making space for grief too. RELATED EPISODES: On Legacy, Purpose and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official - Johnson Situ's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3v2kQZRhZxJK5MfqaXj9lO?si=0f00ooRkQ7OFuoONbBtLhA On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - Katie Ford's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fb3ZcRFWigo7iOLUN4vss?si=HjjfQG37StO3Wyg7h6D1sQ On Finding Balance When You Want To "Have It All", Teamwork, and Avoiding Stress: Ruth Todd CBE's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fb3ZcRFWigo7iOLUN4vss?si=HjjfQG37StO3Wyg7h6D1sQ On Housekeeping, Middle-Age, and Finding Balance When Your Marriage Ends - Helen Hayward's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gGcu3qlJJALr4V4ulcguv?si=8PbZt8ZYQaGiHYyoC7AEMwThe Pursuit of Balance When You're Living Through War - Featuring Dr Ian Moran: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5t5hbVjCBY5b6Ng8qSEvOo?si=bb4LQ0LXTpOpOyP7E4Nkpw

    33 min
  6. 47: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official

    MAY 14

    47: On Legacy, Purpose, and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official

    In this episode, I sit down with Johnson Situ, a political advisor and diplomat who has dedicated his career to politics and public service. He also happens to be the first politician that I've hosted on this podcast, so I took full advantage of asking him all about what it takes to pursue a work-life balance when you're an elected public figure, and when your work is driven so strongly by your ideals, beliefs and values. Are you always on the clock? I'm pleased to say that I got more than just a politician's answer to these questions, and more! In fact, Johnson's openness in talking about how his values are integrated into all of his work-life balance choices, and how they've been influenced by pivotal moments in his upbringing, were incredibly powerful and thought-provoking. As well as this, we also touch on Johnson's experience of losing his beloved father at the formative age of twenty-one. As well as coping with the grief of his personal loss, Johnson describes mourning the future that his father never got to live: the dreams, the impact, the time that was cut short. All this afforded Johnson with a profound clarity around how he wanted to use his time, how to make the most of living a life infused with purpose, and how recognising the fragility of life and success can help towards finding an inner sense of balance. If you've ever wondered whether your day-to-day life aligns with the legacy you want to leave behind, then this episode is for you. Throughout Johnson and my conversation, we cover:   🏘️ The experience of growing up on a council estate and navigating a school system where most peers left without qualifications   ⚛️How to discover your core values—and why they should guide both your career and personal life   👥The unique challenges of finding balance in the early years of marriage   🌎The influence of being the child of immigrants, and how that shapes ambition and burnout across generations   ❤️‍🩹How grief reshapes our relationship with time, purpose, and work  RELATED EPISODES: On the Work-Life Balance of Children of Immigrants On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority: Gilles’ Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/02/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-3-out-now/ The Pursuit of Balance When Undergoing Infertility Treatment, and How to Regain Balance and Find Purpose in Unexpected Circumstances: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/23/the-pursuit-of-balance-when-undergoing-infertility-treatment-and-how-to-regain-balance-and-find-purpose-in-unexpected-circumstances-new-podcast-episode-out-today/ On Career Change Routh’s Story – On Panic Attacks, Career Changes, and Regaining Balance After Hitting Rock Bottom: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/12/07/rouths-story-on-panic-attacks-career-changes-and-regaining-balance-after-hitting-rock-bottom-new-podcast-episode-out-now/ On Finding Purpose How to Reset Your Work-Life Balance by Mastering Four Internal Elements: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yExfehxCiHkFQ141IMDid?si=QFqolUcHTdqOmO0-kpcwIg

    55 min
  7. 46: How to Find Work-Life Balance When You Feel Judged - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #12

    MAY 7

    46: How to Find Work-Life Balance When You Feel Judged - Work, Life, Balance Lesson #12

    Do you ever feel judged for how you balance work with everything else in life? Or feel that people's judgments about you at work or in your personal life impacts on your overall sense of balance? If so, you are not alone. In this episode, I explore some of the real-life examples shared on the blog and podcast of how people have described responding to feeling judged, and the impact it has on their work-life balance choices. The intention, as always, is to celebrate the different ways that individuals approach their pursuit of balance, and to learn from one another. Throughout the episode, I explore three of the most common reactions I've encountered to feeling judged: 🏎️ Using it as fuel to assert your decisions and make empowering changes 😕Internalising others' expectations and views on your choice, leading you to feel stuck and doubt yourself 🦆 Acknowledging judgements people may be taking of you, but not allowing it to influence your decision-making or play on your mind The episode invites listeners to reflect on how they react to feeling judged and the root causes of their reactions. It includes some tips and inspiration about how to be more mindful and deliberate in managing the powerful emotions that feeling judged evokes.      RELEVANT LINKS: 'A Fine Balance' blog post on reacting to judgements with anger: "Treat ’em Mean, Keep ’em Keen": https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/09/treat-em-mean-keep-em-keen/ When Feeling Judged Fuels Change: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/03/work-life-balance-profile-2-sheara-abrahams/ https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/11/16/stay-at-home-mum-nadines-story-on-opting-out-of-a-career-path-valuing-a-mothers-presence/ On Teenage Pregnancy, Teacher Burnout & Finding Balance When You’re “Busy”: Laura’s Story - https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/05/26/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-5-out-now/ On Internalising People's Judgements of You: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/23/the-pursuit-of-balance-when-undergoing-infertility-treatment-and-how-to-regain-balance-and-find-purpose-in-unexpected-circumstances-new-podcast-episode-out-today/ Marsha’s Story – From high-flying professional to stay-at-home-mum: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/23/work-life-balance-profile-3-marsha/ When Unaffected by People's Judgements: Finding Balance When You’re An Introvert in a Family and Workplace Full of Extroverts: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/03/13/finding-balance-when-youre-an-introvert-in-a-family-and-workplace-full-of-extroverts-podcast-episode-out-now-season-3-episode-3/ On Finding Balance When You Want to “Have It All”, Teamwork & Avoiding Stress: Ruth’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/21/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-4-out-now/

    44 min
  8. 45: On Infertility Struggles, Undesired Childlessness, and How to Regain Balance and Find Your Purpose When You Find Yourself in Unexpected Circumstances

    APR 23

    45: On Infertility Struggles, Undesired Childlessness, and How to Regain Balance and Find Your Purpose When You Find Yourself in Unexpected Circumstances

    Have you ever found yourself on a life or career path that took you completely by surprise? When a plan you’d mapped out so clearly in your head didn’t unfold the way you’d imagined — or hoped — it would? Well, my guest in this podcast episode, Lana Manikowski, is no stranger to that kind of turning point. So much so, that she’s written a book entitled So Now What?, and hosts a podcast of the same name, which charts her experience of coming to terms with a reality vastly different from the one she’d envisioned. At the heart of Lana’s story is an infertility struggle that lasted seven years, ultimately leading to the painful realisation that motherhood wasn’t going to be part ofher future — despite her hopes and expectations. The impact on Lana’s working life was profound. It shifted not only her sense of purpose, but also how she viewed her own value and the role that work had played – and was evolving - in her life. In our conversation, Lana opens up about how infertility treatment affected her work-life balance. We also talk about how her identity as the child of immigrants shaped her work ethic and values, and explore her bold transition from corporate life to self-employment. Throughout this episode, I step outside my comfort zone to ask some direct, and at times difficult questions about motherhood and infertility – topics that are often considered off-limits in polite conversation- too personal, too painful and shrouded in stigma. But Lana’s openness, her commitment to breaking the silence around these issues, and her desire to be the role model that she needed during her own darkest times, created the opportunity for us to explore the emotional realities that many women face – but few talk about. In so doing, we get to the heart of how to find balance during infertility treatment, and what it means to rebuild a meaningful working life when the dream of becoming a mum doesn’t come true. RELATED EPISODES: On Work-Life Balance and Infertility Struggles: 14: On Pride, Acceptance & Finding Balance by Parenting Equally While Working Full-Time-Paul's Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/14-on-pride-acceptance-finding-balance-by-parenting/id1570430336?i=1000624615595 1: On self-care, the power of a positive mindset, and finding balance in mid-life - Soli’s Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-on-self-care-the-power-of-a-positive/id1570430336?i=1000530012085 On Collegiate Relations When You Don't Have Caring Responsibilities: 6: “Single & Childfree by Choice”. On boundary-setting & doing what makes you happy - Laurie’s Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-single-childfree-by-choice-on-boundary-setting-doing/id1570430336?i=1000553872664

    1h 7m
See All (55)

Trailers

About

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by 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.

Information

You Might Also Like