Work Shift: Review and Giveaway
Before having children, I worked more than full time. In fact, I worked all the time. I was a tax director at a Big Four public accounting firm AND the co-owner and head yoga instructor of a martial arts and yoga studio. Between the two jobs, I regularly worked 80-90 hours a week.
Thankfully, my husband worked at both places with me. For the first eight years of our marriage, there was little distinction between work and family.
Our burnout began before her arrival, but AE’s birth gave us both the motivation to make some changes. Oh how I wish I had Anne Bogel’s wonderful new ebook, Work Shift: How to Create a Better Blend of Work, Life, and Family back then. (Don’t miss your chance to win a copy below!)
With this book Anne, who blogs at Modern Mrs Darcy, provides the validation many of today’s working parents are craving. “We just want to create a life that allows us to do meaningful work and be there for our families.”
In the first half of the book, Anne paints a vivid picture of the market conditions that allow today’s parents to “blend” work, life and family in new and exciting ways. She also offers a framework readers can use as they explore their own unique blend.
But Anne doesn’t stop there. With stories of real women in a variety of professions and family situations, the second half of Work Shift is like a powerful brainstorming session. Readers are guaranteed to find practical inspiration from these women pioneering new ways to blend work, life and family.
Three years ago, things seemed so black and white to me. Either I put my professional life on hold and focus on raising my daughter, or I pursue my career goals at the expense of my family. About 18 months ago, I discovered the blogosphere. (I know, why was I so late to the game?) I was soon inspired to grab a brush and paint my own colorful blend of work, life and family.
If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed and like a better work, life and family blend is out of reach, Work Shift will be a breath of fresh air. This book will encourage, inspire and equip you to make positive change.
You can buy your copy of Work Shift here. But, Anne has graciously offered to giveaway a free copy to one Every Breath reader! To enter, simply leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on work-life balance. Giveaway closes at 11:59 PM EDT September 27th. Winner will be selected at random and notified by email.
I got a free copy for a review from the author, but all opinions are my own. The link to the book is an affiliate link.
I am the poster child for needing this book. I work full tilt at a full-time job and outside of that job I am a cub scout den leader (this year I will have 3 – yes 3 – dens under my leadership), I am class manager at my Jazzercise class, I volunteer at church, and oh, my husband’s work hours mean that I am “parent-on-duty” every Saturday and most Sundays so I’m the chief chauffeur for cross country meets, Kung Fu practices, birthday parties, and play dates. Yes, I am overwhelmed and not getting a lot out of life. I don’t just want this book. I NEED this book! Thanks to Anne Bogel for donating it!
Ha, I am running around trying to win Anne’s book everywhere, when clearly I’m going to pony up the eight bucks anyway if I don’t win it. The thrill of the chase, I guess. ^_^
ANYWAY. This is a topic that is really hitting home with me right. now. (or 7.5 weeks from now, maybe?), but I feel like I’ve been really whiny about it in the blogosphere. Suffice it to say it’s a fascinating topic intellectually and a subject where I am in great need of help and brainstorming and a kick in the pants. ^_^*
Also, hi Jennifer! Glad to see you making your way back. I hope you and AE and Little Man and your husband are doing well and settling into the two-kids groove. ^_^
I would love to read this! I’m only eight months in with a little one, but we haven’t quite hit that balance yet.
I have 4 kids and a husband who works out of town most of the time. I could really use this book to help me.
Sounds like a great read. I have short dreams about a different type of work but haven’t taken any steps to explore what it would take to get there.
For now, my husband and I manage to balance work and children well but time for ourselves, that is one we haven’t mastered. It helps that neither of us work strict business hours, he has his own business, and I have a very flexible employer. Another important skill is the ability to say ‘no,’ regardless of the setting, especially at work. Letting go of the fantasy of a perfectly clean house and a completely made from scratch meal every night is also a choice I make; the price of pre-cut vagetables is worth it to me. And the pile of paperwork to be filed? It makes me a little crazy but not so much that I will sacrifice giggling with my favorite little people.