Finding work-life balance

February break is over, a new year at work is in full swing, and it seems as though we haven’t stopped shoveling the snow off our driveways in months! The busy season is here; let the juggling act begin!

Finding the right balance between work and life is difficult for any working professional, but it can be particularly difficult for women – myself included.

As working professionals, women in the accounting industry are often faced with the challenge of balancing family, home and careers. We are wives, mothers, daughters and mavens of our chosen profession.

We are the caregivers for our children and aging parents. As a mother, I often feel as if I have already run a marathon before my workday begins! How do we handle the daily pressures yet still maintain the superior level of performance necessary to succeed in what is still perceived as a male-dominated profession?

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According to a study done by the American Institute of CPAs, women encompass approximately 44 percent of the accounting profession; however, only 19 percent have achieved partner status at CPA firms across the nation. This trend continues among Fortune 500 companies.

Thinkprogress.org reports that women hold just 11.4 percent of chief financial officer positions and only 4.8 percent of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies. Overall, women make up less than 15 percent of executive offices at the nation’s largest companies, a figure that has remained stagnant for four years. So how can businesses close the gender gap and not only retain, but promote, female talent?

According to data obtained in a recent survey done by GoingConcern.com, many businesses are offering solutions to make this happen, and CPA firms ranked at the top of the industries surveyed (i.e. accounting, finance/banking, education, law and consulting). The challenges of the work-life balance can be daunting and often lead women – and, of course, some men, to make hard choices, such as stalling their careers to raise a family and/or care for aging parents.

One of the most important changes in recent years has been a shift in the employer mindset. Recognizing the need for flexibility and acceptance of nonstandard working arrangements has assisted in the retention of talented professionals.

We can partially thank the age of technology. Technology has created the ability to work remotely, opening new opportunities to work before or after hours, on weekends and during those pesky school holidays that are far too frequent.

In order to capitalize on these opportunities, women must change their approach. Traditionally, women have often hesitated in taking advantage of the solutions employers have offered. This may be, in part, because we feel that we will not be taken seriously by our superiors or that we will be perceived as not working as hard as our peers. In fact, women often feel that they must work harder in order to succeed. Learn to take advantage of the flexibility offered while maintaining the quality of your work. Keep the lines of communication open with your employer, as this is the key to a symbiotic relationship.

Here are some helpful ideas in achieving the balancing act:

n For starters, at times we must learn to say “No.” The fear of disappointing others often leads women to overcommit. It is OK to say no to your employer, your spouse and your kids, as well as to organizations in which we are involved. Sometimes we “just can’t do it all.” Learning to recognize limitations to our availability, whether it is time constraints or other commitments, and addressing them honestly, will benefit everyone in the long run. Over-committing ourselves or making promises that we cannot keep, induces stress and undermines our credibility.

n Setting limits and sticking to them is another way in which we can reshape our behavior. We set routines for our children, our household and for time spent with family and friends. We need to set limits for ourselves as well. This is where the balancing act gets put to the test. Define a set work time, family time and “me” time, and stick to it. Set a plan and allow enough flexibility to deal with the unexpected. In doing so, you will find that stress is reduced, and you are more fulfilled and better able to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. Remember that tomorrow is another day.

n There are several websites and workshops offered to provide career, life support and insight. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is offering a Women’s Global Leadership Summit which will focus on growing female leaders in the accounting profession. In addition, websites such as Mindtools.com have several offerings, including exercises and tips on cultivating and recognizing your leadership and career skills, stress and time management and communication skills.

The website highlights the PERMA model (developed by psychologist Martin Seligman) which identifies the five essential elements to experiencing well-being: Positive Emotion (P), Engagement (E), Positive Relationships (R), Meaning (M), Accomplishments/Achievement (A). Some valuable insight may be gained from browsing the website and focusing on an area that needs improvement.

n Above all, be confident in your abilities and your value. Confidence exudes expertise, control, professionalism and success. Remember, if you have confidence in yourself, others will have confidence in you. •
Robin Eubank is a supervisor in BlumShapiro’s accounting and auditing department in Providence.

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