Work-Life Balance: Balancing The Scale | Part 1 (Ms. Flores)

Ms. Flores, a teacher at Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts, shares insights during an interview in her classroom

​Teaching is not just a job; it's a lifestyle that requires juggling multiple responsibilities, which makes achieving work-life balance a significant challenge. Ms. Flores, a dedicated teacher at Paseo Academy of Fine Arts, shares her continuous journey towards finding this balance. "Work-life balance changes so much depending on what I'm doing. It’s something that you're constantly improving—it’s a process, it’s a reminder," she states. This ongoing process involves a deliberate effort to balance the scales between her professional responsibilities and personal life.

In her approach, Ms. Flores emphasizes the importance of not allowing work to consume all aspects of her existence. She practices setting aside time for herself and prioritizes tasks to ensure that she is not overwhelmed by work demands. "I need to see work as one aspect of my life, ideally something that can be additive rather than subtractive," Ms. Flores explains. By doing so, she maintains her enthusiasm and effectiveness as an educator.

She also highlights the importance of modeling healthy work habits for her students. This includes setting boundaries like avoiding late-night communications, which she believes could set a poor example for students about managing work and personal time. "If I'm emailing them at 10 PM... I'm modeling the exactly wrong thing," she notes, underscoring the importance of teaching by example. 

Ms. Flores also integrates personal wellness into her routine by deprioritizing less urgent tasks and focusing on what truly matters in the moment. This not only helps her manage her workload more effectively but also ensures that she remains present both in her personal life and in the classroom.

 Concluding, Ms. Flores believes that achieving work-life balance is crucial not just for teachers but for anyone looking to lead a fulfilling and healthy life. Her journey and strategies offer valuable insights for educators everywhere, showing that while challenging, achieving balance is possible and essential.