professional-growth

Good morning, dear readers!

Today, as the landscape bathes in hues of gold, the thermostat stoically registering a cool 12°C, I embark on yet another voyage from home to the heart of Oslo. Staring out of the window at the landscapes blurring past, I can't help but appreciate nature's astounding gift – the radiant early morning sunshine! The soft music playing in my earbuds, coupled with the rhythmic sway of the train, seems to inspire a sense of balance. The balance we all strive to maintain: between personal relationships and our professional aspirations.

In our journey of life, playing the twin games of professional sprint and relation marathon can get demanding. Often, we find ourselves in the middle of this 'catch 22' situation – teetering between wanting to be the best partner, friend, child, or being the ambitious professional, striving to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Understanding the importance of both facets of life is an art. There’s this precarious kinetic energy of balancing –- in both realms, we are in constant motion, continuously evolving, and perpetually learning. The key, I believe, is respecting both these entities and their respective spaces.

Our professional growth should never be at the expense of personal relationships, nor should our personal life compromises our career dreams. They are like two parallel tracks on which the train of life chugs. Both are essential for it to move forward smoothly.

But what about when the balance gets disrupted? Like the current situation between the Norwegian trade union, Unio, and its members. The escalation of a long-standing strike over wages, pushing public schools and kindergartens in Oslo towards crisis is a classic example. There’s a move towards balance here too: striking a fair wage deal is as important as maintaining the function of public institutions and services.

This reminds us that the act of balancing isn’t a one-time achievement, but a continuous exercise. The minute we lose focus due to moving too fast in one direction or becoming complacent, the balance is lost. It's a constant dance of readjustments.

For me, the train journey every day is more than a commute from point A to B. It’s my time to introspect, to maintain the balance in my life, to write this blog post amidst the hustle and bustle of this mobile universe, and to remind myself about my dual role as a journalism student and a friend, a daughter, and a partner.

Remember, folks, the scales of life should always be in harmony. Whether it’s the wage disputes with your union or the time spent with loved ones versus time devoted to career progression. There may be bumps, unexpected turns, but keeping focus and motivation, like my train journey that never fails to reach the destination despite all the stops, can help maintain that delicate, radiant balance in life.

Until tomorrow, Love, and peace... always...

Tags: life balance professional growth personal relationships