The DSL Program and my work/life balance
The DSL program is affecting my life in numerous ways. I had anticipated such effects hence made some changes in my life. However, the program is very engaging and requires a lot of commitment in terms of time and resources. Since I began the program, my family life has been the most affected. I have a very supportive and encouraging family. Before joining the program, we had an in-depth discussion about the same. I told my children that their mother would be going back to school, although at a higher level that would also be more demanding. They also understood my request for silence and a conducive environment around the home to do my work. However, I constantly feel like I do not have enough time with them. I also have a very demanding job that takes up most of my time during the weekdays. I only get to see my children and spend time with them on the weekends. During the weekdays, we only have a short time for breakfast and dinner together. However, I have been trying to squeeze conversations about how our days were and how we are doing in the course of family meals. I do not want to grow distant to my children. I also have an event planning job on the side. I took a step back and even though I still take part in our activities, I only do so on a supportive capacity. I delegated some of my work to my colleagues. However, I am still very available to them in case of any inquiries and questions. I try to be as accessible and approachable as possible. In addition, I also still chip in by assisting in contacting our contacts such as suppliers. I still also do my volunteer job at the school. However, juggling all these has been an uphill task. I also still have to do and keep my assignments moving while also doing my studying. However, everyone around me understands what I do and try to be helpful. I also keep asking God for strength and the determination to be able to balance all without neglecting any aspect of my life.
I have been able to integrate the DSL program into my current work and life balance. I also plan to do more because of the challenges that I have seen emerging. I need to focus on the program because it requires commitment and hard work. I am also a believer in doing ones best and letting God handle the rest. I pledged to do an excellent job at the DSL program and not let my family down. As a result, I plan to work around ways of reducing more responsibilities and ensuring that I have ample time for the program. I plan to take a step back in my volunteer work. This case will not mean that I quit or stop being a volunteer but just putting it aside for a while as I handle other things. I also plan to coach and then fully delegate the events planning work to another colleague who I trust completely. I have also found out that I have a had time letting go and allowing others to handle things. I know that my workmates are competent and would do an excellent job even in my short absence. This case has been one of the most challenging aspect but also an opportunity. With less work responsibilities on my hands, I will be able to have enough time for my studies without having to squeeze it only into my work schedule. For my day time job, I plan to ask for permission to have some days, when there is not too much work at the office, to work from home. This case will allow me the opportunity to do more for my DSL program and also be there for my kids when they need me. I will work towards enabling all these and making good use of the time that they will create.