The village of Montalcino in Tuscany
In the past three months I’ve been to Italy (in person), as well as India and the Phillipines (virtually). On the surface, Italy was personal, India was volunteer work and the Phillipines was for business. But here’s the thing: very little of what I do these days fits in discrete boxes.
Italy was a trip with my husband AND I’m writing a travel blog about it. India is a volunteer job AND I’ve made business contacts. Likewise, my Phillipines story has both a business and volunteer angle.
I’m thinking that for better or worse, the days of work-life separation are over. What do you think? Is this a dangerous trend or an exciting new reality? Please post your comments below.
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I think it sounds wonderful and that at times it could also be challenging. It is great that you may so fully integrate you personal and business life and I am sure that you will find this rewarding. As for the challenging parts, sometimes we become so passionate about something that it really consumes all of our energy and without some natural boundries around work and private ventures, it becomes critical that we stay in tune with maintaining balance. Another challenging element for me would be deciding how to strategically structure my time and adjusting to the fact that the previous way of thinking about providing business services during certain hours would be replaced by a new model that I would need to develop and perfect.
I wish you all the luck and good fortune as you embark on this new phase of the journey.
A dangerously fun & exciting trend! I am a pilates instructor part-time but I know my fervor to teach/translate pilates to others is a dream come true! I am learning & meeting some of the most terrific beings through this work and the pleasure is all mine to give! So as you enjoy your journey to Italy, India & the Phillipines; enjoy the labor of love!
Barbara,
Congratulations on finding new ways to do what you love. I recently read David Whyte’s book, The Three Marriages. He says that it’s not about work/life balance. It’s about three marriages: life partner, vocation, and self. Integrating all that and looking at the ways that the three marriages relate to one another is much more complex – and exciting – than “work/life balance.” You’re looking like a great example of someone who’s exploring that. Have all the fun you can.
Work and life are one and the same. I insist!
PS: I had taken a year off to live in Italy some years ago. Montecatini Terme was my favourite spot. Florence is perfect for a holiday.
I think that life has a way of giving us the opportunity to share with others what God has blessed us with. It is my prayer that you continue to make a profound impact on those you come in contact with. Not all of us get the opportunity to travel as you have. I close by saying ‘you go Girl’. I appreciate the fact, Barbara that you don’t mind getting feed back. May God bless you and your family. Ted Ghant!