Spoiler Alert: This one has a twist!

Times are changing. The baby boomers set a precedence for living to work, but the generation taking over the workforce has other priorities. Work life balance is evolving to become a more desirable benefit to many of the younger generations equal to (if not more so important than) medical coverage and compensation.

Erin is a legal assistant for an attorney focused on estate planning and probate. Her role essentially does the behind the scenes work for much of the attorney’s deliverables. This includes drafting Power of Attorney, Directive of Physicians and HIPPA agreements in addition to setting appointments and billing.

Much of Erin’s success in her role stems from her natural ability of organization and time management. This perfectly translates to her personal life where she shines and thrives with taking care of the house and always (usually) having a delicious home cooked meal at the end of the day.

“I work to LIVE.”

This position has given Erin the opportunity to know her schedule and feel prepared for the days and weeks. She leaves at five everyday without worry or having to take work home. She loves the stability of what she does. She enjoys her coworkers and feels comfortable with the knowledge and experience she has gained over the past six years in the position. Now we all know attorneys are a different breed. There are still some residual divides in regards to culture in firms between assistants, paralegals and attorneys. Fortunately Erin feels her team and culture transcend this antiquated office mentality. Although the job itself can tend to be routine (some days monotonous), this also eliminates the sense of chaos most can feel during the workday. Erin knows her deadlines, to-dos and the need for proactive thinking. This allows for the work life balance she truly appreciates about the job.

When I spoke to Erin about this post (pre-blog-hiatus), it was not known that she would very soon be finding out that she is expecting. I even know now – expecting a brilliant and beautiful baby girl.  No wonder this life balance had such a resounding theme throughout the conversation of her job satisfaction!

Case in point, find what makes you happy in a career. That is and always will be 100% unique to you.