Bazi | Is Achieving A Work-Life Balance Possible?
I just finished a catch-up session with my siblings and one of the topics that we discussed was work-life balance. I would not say that I am an expert in this subject since I had to quit my job a decade earlier to seek this balance, but I would like to propose a different way of looking at this much sought after balance.
In the early millennium, I was eagerly climbing the corporate ladder with my mind made up on where I would like to be a decade later. In the meantime, with my biological clock ticking and after discussion with my better half, we decided to embark on the next phase of our family life. It felt wonderful being a mum in the first couple of months. However, when the reality of having to juggle my increasing work commitments and responsibilities set in together with the new found duties and obligations of being the “perfect” mum, my nightmare started.
I am able to explain my past behaviour, only some years later when I have knowledge of the Metaphysical study of Bazi. Based on my Bazi profile, I have a huge dose of the “Artist[1]” Bazi profile that influenced and convinced me that I could handle a new division responsibility which included frequent overseas travel, weekend conventions and often over-time work till late in the night and at the same time, be there to cuddle my baby and instil in him the proper mannerisms and discipline.
Before long, I was burnt out, stressed out and on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I had come to a cross road. I had to come to terms that I cannot cope and be aggressive in my career objectives and still aim to be the “perfect” mum. Something had to give.
Besides human beings, nature is constantly seeking balance as well. A tree needs sufficient sunshine (Fire element), water, air, fertile earth and proper trimming (Metal element) to be healthy and in shape or become useful as a piece of furniture or tool. However, the amount and type of balance depends on the situation this tree is in. If the tree is currently in a winter condition, it will need more of the Fire element to stay warm. If grown in a summer condition, it will need more water.
Similarly for us, it may not have to be about a 50-50 work-life balance that we are trying to achieve. It could be a choice for a 40-60, 30-70 work life arrangement or vice versa.
As quoted in “The Real Life MBA[2]” by Jack and Suzy Welch, “…why we prefer the term ‘work-life choice’ instead of ‘work-life balance’… every career decision carries consequences, which the ‘decider’ understands and accepts.”
In a recent talk that I gave, the audience was shrewd to point out that it is often this lack of balance in a person’s Bazi personality profile or Bazi chart that will decide the degree of aggressiveness in his or her career or life pursuits. For instance, if a person’s Main Profile of a Director[1] is extremely strong, this person will likely be very hands-on, impatient for things to get going and will unlikely be someone who will be actively seeking this work-life balance. On the other hand, a person with a high dose of Artist[1] profile will need the time to relax, gather creative ideas and dream. A person with a Friend[1] profile will need to have time to connect and network with others to stay motivated. Our character, preference and interaction style with our family, friends, superior and team members play a huge role in our decision and choices at work and at home, thus affecting this much discussed topic of work-life balance.
Back to the question in point, is achieving work-life balance possible? It is unlikely that everyone will find an equal 50-50 balance. Depending on your character and motivations in life for both career and family, you will be making decisions to find that balance and acceptance within yourself. As long as you are happy with these decisions, feel that you are motivated and can enjoy good relationship and communication with your family, friends and colleagues, any ratio, whether a 30-70 or 20-80 vice versa can replace the perceived 50-50 standard and set the new equilibrium in your work and leisure life.
Thank you for taking time to read my post as I embark on the quest to simplify and explain the principles of this 2,000-year-old metaphysical study on human behaviour. I look forward to any comments or suggestions that you may have on what you would like me to post in future.
If you would like to know your unique personality profile based on the time-tested Bazi – Asian personality profiling system, you can get the following personalized reports online:
- Your Career Suitability Report – https://happyandsuccess.com/product/career-suitability-report
- Your Personalized Good Directions for Success – http://bazicalculator.janetyung.com/
Janet Yung (amazon.com/author/janetyung)
Feng Shui and Bazi Consultant. Author. Harmony Adviser.
References:
[1]Terms utilized from Joey Yap’s Bazi Profiling system.
[2]Welch, J. & S. The Real Life MBA. ISBN 978-0-00-759439-9
