Anonymous wrote:I just want "a job" too right now and during my performance review (with my boss who is 10-15 years younger) he wanted to know my career goals and such. There is such a disconnect between his reality and mine!!

In my case - the point is - I'm not looking to move up. And that's ok. Not everyone wants to constantly move up and take on more.

But.... but.... she's a MOM. That's the HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD!!!!

Can't you just pay her for doing nothing and having a crap-ass attitude out of your own guilt at not spending quality time with your own family?

I'm GC at a company, head of a small law department. You are in trouble if this is being brought up at your performance review. I'm going to give you some tough love here--if all you want to do is show up, put in your 9-5 and then leave, your company--your client, remember?-- is giving you a pretty strong signal that it's not ok with them. It would not be ok with me. I am all about flexibility--telework, leave at 5 on the dot to pick up your kids, cut out early if things are slow. But one thing I demand is that people CARE about the company and its legal problems, and sometimes that means responding to some emails on the weekend. There are literally hundreds of lawyers who would take your job in a heartbeat.

We've come a long way, baby. Right back to square one.

I just want "a job" too right now and during my performance review (with my boss who is 10-15 years younger) he wanted to know my career goals and such. There is such a disconnect between his reality and mine!!

I don't think all companies have this culture. OP, I would find a different dept. or company or job where logging in all hours of the day is frowned upon.

I have an MBA from a top school and I refuse to be on a work tether 24/7 just because I have an "important" job. There are some times, some projects where it's necessary, but it's a matter of degree. I don't mind checking emails one weekend every 2 months if something big is happening, but it should not be expected every weekend, and I'm not paid 300K+ to do that either.

It's a matter of degree, the corporate and team culture of work life balance, and your priorities. Don't apologize just because you get it an they dont! Just realize you can't say this out loud at your work. The culture is either there or it's not. Sounds like it is not, for your boss and your team/company.

I felt this way too when my child was young. Coasted along for about 6 years. Now, I totatlly regret it.

I can't demand the flexibility I really want,my salary has only increased in tiny amounts, and it's impossible now to move up in my current org.

I get it. I left a "big job" for retail for the same reason. I want a job where I can work my ass off while I am at work and then leave it all at work at the end of the day. I am so much happier now.

Anonymous wrote:OP here, funny thing is I switched to this job for work life balance. I was in big law before and took a huge pay cut to go in house. There doesn't seem to be a win win solution other than moving to the Midwest!'

I came from Chicago. I don't know that it'll help. DC is fucked up with all its money... I've never made as much as I do now and felt so poor. But A level "why the fuck aren't you in at 10pm" is just part of the American culture

Anonymous wrote:OP here, funny thing is I switched to this job for work life balance. I was in big law before and took a huge pay cut to go in house. There doesn't seem to be a win win solution other than moving to the Midwest!'

If moving to the Midwest would be a win for you, then go for it.

OP here, funny thing is I switched to this job for work life balance. I was in big law before and took a huge pay cut to go in house. There doesn't seem to be a win win solution other than moving to the Midwest!'

I feel the same way. I actually go back to work after maternity leave tomorrow. I can't figure out how I'm going to muster up any interest in my job.

I need an income, but while I was very ambitious in the past I dont have any interest in working long hours or traveling a lot any more.

I need to find a job with more work life balance, but I have no idea how to find something like that.

I don't think it's bad at all!

That said I do think there are ways that you can pitch work-life balance to your boss/employers and make it sound good for them, too. For example, "I'm a better employee during the 40 hours I'm in the office if I challenge my mind in other ways on the weekend." If you're going to challenge the go-go-go culture of the rat race you have to make it sound like you have a better alternative.

I work a 20 hour week at the office. I think I provide more than 50% of the value I used to at 50% or less of the time. Thankfully my boss does too.

I feel the same way. For 20 years I burnt myself out working like a dog. Then I met DH and my priorities just changed. Thankfully, I found a job in my field where I can have a decent work-life balance. I don't get paid as much as I would if I were in a more go-getter environment, but our needs are met and my life is my own. Priceless.

Do what you need to to keep your job for now, but definitely start looking for other options.

Had my yearly performance review last week and I am so disturbed. I work hard but absolutely refuse to log in during weekends. Manager asked me what I wanted out of this job and all I could think of was nothing. This is just a job for me. A source of income, that's it. I am happy where I am. I don't want a promotion. Why is that so wrong? I see my manager working insane hours even though she has a family and I don't want that. I have no desire to move up. My DD is only 2 once and I can't have more kids.

Unfortunately I was told I have to work to be promoted this year or out the door I go. Can't afford to lose this job so I guess I am getting pushed along by the rat race in DC. Hate this area and its crazy gogetters.