I talked in my last post about the importance of figuring out what your expectations and requirements are for a good work/life balance. A lot of it has to do with the job you take, and in the journalism field, it's usually good to expect that – especially at first – your balance may be a little heavy on the “work” side. TV and journalism jobs require long hours and typically don't pay well – and if you're not willing to accept these things, employers will often move on to someone who will.

That being said, part of your work/life balance is controlled by you. When I landed my first job – in spite of the awful (overnight) hours and poor pay, I loved it. I was living out the definition of “do what you enjoy because you enjoy it, not because it pays well.” (Later on, the pay DID become more important, but that's another story for another time!) A LOT was required of me, but I brought a lot on myself. I wanted to show my boss and my newsroom that I was a good producer, that I took initiative – and there's something to be said for going above and beyond, but as with everything, there's a balance. And I wasn't very good about finding that balance.

I would frequently work an entire overnight shift and then – if there was breaking news in the morning – would stay to help with that. It wasn't unusual for me to work a 12 hour day. I know many people in the business world end up doing this, but I feel like it was even worse because the hours took such a toll on me.

I tell this story to say that sometimes, yes, employers have difficult demands. And that was part of the issue in my situation, no doubt. But, in part, I put these demands on myself. I felt guilty leaving work – even after I'd put in a full day. Don't become your own worst enemy as you try and figure out this delicate balance!

(www.10thfloorpr.com)