What Women Can Learn About Work-Life Balance... From Men
I know this might ruffle some feathers, but bear with me: men have balance down.
Picture it: they clock off from work, and suddenly it’s as if the world stops turning. Dinner? Washing? What washing?
They’re unwinding with the confidence of someone who truly believes the universe will wait.
And don’t even get me started on the man flu. A blanket, some tea, and the audacity to rest like they’re recovering from a life-threatening ordeal.
Their hobbies? Practically sacred. Golf, Rugby, tinkering with whatever’s taken their fancy - it all gets prioritised with military precision.
Meanwhile, we women are over here doing the heavy lifting and worrying if we’re doing enough.
The Guilt Gap: Why Women Can’t Switch Off
I think we’ve made progress - self-care is no longer seen as an act of rebellion.
But let’s not pretend a quick yoga class or a coffee with friends fixes things when guilt is still lurking in the background.
It’s always there, whispering:
“Mum guilt: Should I really leave the kids to do this?”
“Work guilt: What if I fall behind on that deadline?”
“Life guilt: How can I sit here knowing there’s a pile of washing waiting?”
Even when we make time to rest, our minds behave like overzealous personal assistants, reeling off to-do lists or scheduling the next task.
Rest isn’t rest when you’re planning tomorrow’s packed schedule.
Why This Happens: A Quick History Lesson
Historically, women ran the home while men went to work. Two distinct jobs, no overlap.
Then, as we entered the workforce, we took on a second full-time role without shedding the first.
Society, of course, hasn’t helped. The narrative that women should be selfless caregivers is still very much alive and kicking.
Taking time for yourself feels like breaking an unwritten rule - even though it’s crucial for your well-being.
Men’s Balance Secrets: A Masterclass
I lead my life with a healthy dose of scepticism (a 3/6 perk*), but I must admit men’s approach to balance is enviable.
They compartmentalise:
At work? They’re at work.
Resting? They’re truly resting.
Hobbies? Absolutely non-negotiable.
And guess what? The world doesn’t collapse. The floors don’t get mopped, but life goes on.
The Fix: Balance Without the Guilt Trip
Here’s the truth: balance isn’t just about doing less - it’s about rethinking how we approach things. Women need to:
Let go of guilt. Rest is productive. Full stop.
Set boundaries. Your time is valuable.
Stop earning rest. You don’t need to prove you deserve a break.
My Story: Burnout, Balance, and Bravery
I’ve been there. A single mum raising two children while running a business and caring for my grandmother for 12 years.
It was a recipe for burnout, and I followed it to the letter. I know what it’s like to keep everything afloat while quietly sinking.
But here’s the thing: if I didn’t prioritise myself, no one else was going to do it for me. So I had to rip up the script. I started saying no to guilt and yes to rest.
I stopped multi-tasking my self-care and finally learned to switch off. It wasn’t easy - it rarely is - but it was transformational.
Balance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Whether you’re navigating co-parenting chaos, single-parenting heroics, or the juggling act of modern life, balance looks different for everyone.
But I think we can all agree: women deserve hobbies, rest, and joy - no guilt attached.
Ladies, it’s time to change the narrative. If men can prioritise themselves, we can too. Let’s reclaim our time. The world won’t end - promise.
If you’re ready to take things a step further, check out The Feminine Approach Assessment. It’s designed to help women like you reclaim their time, set boundaries, and prioritise what really matters - without the guilt. -
Click here to learn more about The Feminine Approach Assessment
*3/6 are my profile lines in Human Design