PERFECT BALANCE. This week Bob offers thoughts about the work/life balance working women, and all parents, face.

Earlier this year I talked about work/life balance and the importance of managing the two. While it's often the woman in a two-career household with children who juggles the most tasks, all parents have to make daily home vs. work life decisions. I'm a big proponent of balance, and I realize how difficult it sometimes is for working moms. But I believe there are benefits for women who work that often outweigh the difficulties, like additional income, increased self-confidence, improved status in society and success in the workplace.

Still, for working moms both home and office jobs must get done, and sometimes a working woman's personal life combines with her professional life to throw stress levels off balance.

So what can we do to maintain equilibrium? First, and most important, I would say to all working parents that it's important to find work in a culture that accepts and understands the need for balance. I believe Shamrock knows this. From the top down, there's a commitment to understand that for each of us, sometimes family-life will require more attention than work. As long as the job gets done, with help from colleagues and friends, we can tip that balance in favor of family when it's necessary. Other steps might include:

SETTING PRIORITIES

Sometimes, like a tightrope walker, we have to practice balance before it becomes second nature. A satisfying, healthy and productive life includes work, play and love, as well as paying attention to our personal and spiritual needs, interests and values. For women, and parents in general, the need for certain flexibility in policies like extended maternity leave, working from home, part time work and career breaks may be important. And if this is important to you, investigate these choices before taking a new job.

KNOWING YOURSELF

I've spoken with successful women and asked them how they balance work vs. family. Many have said that they had to figure out how ambitious they are and what price they are willing to pay in order to have a home, husband, children and career. They said they had to plan carefully and learn how to manage their time to every precious minute.

KNOWING YOUR WORKLOAD

These same women also said they carefully plan, delegate, use technology productively and efficiently, set goals, review their plans ruthlessly, and learn to say "No" if someone makes unreasonable demands.

ONE LAST THING... The life of a working parent isn't for everyone. It's hard. It can be ruthless. But the payoff can be wonderful. When friends, allies and colleagues come together to help one another, great things can be accomplished.