The Importance of a Work/Life Balance
As a 24-year-old who just had his 1st year anniversary as a full-time employee in the corporate workforce, I am often reflecting on the decisions I have made to get where I am and think what is next? One question I have started to ask myself, is will I be able to continue to have work/life balance throughout my career? And what is required to do so?
I frequently enjoy going for a bike ride in downtown Calgary and as many Calgarians living so close to the mountains, I go skiing when the snow is falling. As a child, my family would drive to the mountains every year for Family Day weekend to enjoy time with family and leave the city life behind, even for a few days. I vividly remember driving west on Trans-Canada Highway, considering all the fun events that was going to take place. Skiing, skating, and cooking hotdogs on the fire were the favorites. As a family that loved the mountains, we counted down the days for this weekend to ski, laugh and catch up with each other. At the time I took for granted the ability to have the time and money to go away. Now I realize the importance of having work/life balance and the positive impact it has on mental health.
Having a living wage is extremely important to ensure everyone is able to take time off, enjoy a range of activities, and build our community. (Alberta Living Wage Network defines living wage as the hourly wage a worker needs to earn through salary and various other components to cover their basic expenses and participate in the community).
It is apparent to me now that a key part of work/life balance is financial. Unlike a kid cheerfully enjoying a vacation, when you have to pay the bills, you soon realize that the yearly mountain trips cost money.
I now realize the importance of working for a company that provides a living wage, which indicates enough money to pay the bills, benefits for sick days, and paid vacation.
One of my major interests outside of work is volunteering. I love the time when I can volunteer by supporting individuals through uncertain times and providing them the support they deserve.
One of the organizations I volunteer with is a non-profit agency that supports environmentally and social sustainable businesses. These businesses are passionate about what they do, and they are always thankful for the support. They are well versed in their related industries while many advocate for living wages even when they are trying to grow and scale their business. These companies help grow our economy, build sustainable communities, and prioritize their employees by paying them well. Their tireless efforts continuously encourage me to do anything I can to support these local businesses. I realize that my love for volunteering and the time it takes also depends on my employer providing me with a living wage.
Some Albertans have to work more than one job or more hours than the average work week to pay their bills. I wouldn’t have the time to volunteer with many great organizations in Alberta if I was in different financial circumstances. I don’t take that for granted.
We frequently don’t take the time to appreciate the life we live every day. Some Albertans are able to enjoy work/life balance by visiting the mountains for a fun day of skiing, however a large portion cannot because they are busy supporting their family through various jobs.
It is important to have a living wage as it impacts many different elements of our life, more than just the ability to buy food and shelter. Most Albertans want to spend time with their family.
As humans we depend on our support system, if it is talking about our day at dinner or having a few minutes to talk when your parent is driving you to soccer practice when you’re 9 years old, it’s crucial for everyone.
This time is important, yet some families can’t because many are forced to work multiple jobs that eat up that family time. Alberta Living Wage Network promotes a living wage which is calculated by including a base salary, other critical elements such as a compensation package, time off, benefits, and the cost of living in one’s municipality.
In order to move forward with more employers paying a living wage, we need to have a better understanding of the number of Albertans that are impacted by low wages.
It starts by educating ourselves on what it costs to live a good life in cities and towns across the province, and by putting ourselves in other’s shoes before making a judgement and cementing our believes about the idea of a living wage.
It requires more conversations and action among business, government, and non-profit organizations. It is very important to understand the multiple factors that a living wage has on individuals and families, and the impact on work/life balance.
Work/life balance fosters a healthy mental state, robust physical health and opportunities to build your community. We need to understand and advocate for all Albertans to ensure we all have enough!
By
Nicholas Smith
Nicholas Smith is a financial analyst in Calgary's energy sector, specializing in data analysis and financial modeling to ensure long-term success. A Mount Royal University graduate, he leverages his quantitative skills in various roles. Beyond his professional work, Nicholas is a passionate advocate for living wages, emphasizing their importance for financial stability, mental health, and community engagement. He volunteers with non-profits like Be Local and The Calgary Drop-In Centre, supporting community development and social advocacy. Nicholas calls for greater understanding and advocacy for living wages to help all Albertans achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.