It’s often hard to find a balance between work and home, but regardless of balance, one of the most difficult things for women to do it to make the transition from “work mode” to “non-work mode.” Case in point, my former boss. One evening, waiting for the elevator in her apartment building, a man struck up a conversation with her. They began to talk about what she did for a living and he asked about our organization. Being in “work mode”, she told him about the organization, what we do, etc. and he expressed interest in “getting involved.”
Then, he asked for her cell phone number. And still being in “work mode”, she gave him her business card instead, not thinking for a second that he was asking for her “digits”, but rather for information about our place of work. He’s called her work phone multiple times already (thank goodness for caller ID), and clearly isn’t interested in the organization, but more so in her.
My her defense – “I was in work mode! I’ll always give someone my business card in work mode.”
So a word to the wise, when you leave the office at 5pm, do your best to make the transition immediately to “non-work mode.” It’s a big part of balance!
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Interesting. Some things always remain the same for women.
Love the graphic!