In this episode of 'A Fine Balance Work-Life Balance Confessions', I'm joined by Victoria Mortimer, a finance director and life coach, to talk about the intricacies of work-life balance from the perspective of the accountancy profession.

We explore the juggles of personal finance management, emotional well-being, and the importance of open communication in relationships. Victoria shares her journey from a demanding corporate job to finding fulfilment in a balanced life, emphasising the emotional aspects of money management and the significance of self-reliance.

The conversation highlights the fluidity of balance and the need for intentionality in personal and professional choices.

Takeaways:

Work-life balance is deeply personal and varies for everyone.

Emotional aspects of money management can impact decision-making.

Open communication about finances is crucial in relationships.

Finding a fulfilling job can enhance overall life satisfaction.

Self-reliance is key to personal growth and stability.

Awkward conversations often lead to better understanding and resolution.

Flexibility in work arrangements can improve work-life balance.

Meditation can help manage stress and clarify thoughts.

Recognising when to seek help is important for mental health.

Balance is not a fixed state but a fluid and evolving process.

Chapters

00:00 The Unlikely Accountant: Breaking Stereotypes

02:54 Emotional Aspects of Finance

03:29 Risk and Financial Decisions in Relationships

04:52 Navigating Finances in Partnerships

05:46 Work-Life Balance: Finding the Right Ratio

06:16 The Importance of Sleep and Routine

08:20 Personal Stories and Influences

15:18 Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Immersion

17:17 The Fluidity of Work-Life Balance

19:41 Redefining Balance: Beyond the Traditional Notion

22:39 Intentionality and Individuality in Career Choices

27:05 The Impact of Work Environment on Happiness

33:23 Finding Meaning and Fulfilment in Work

39:20 Healing from Heartbreak and Embracing Independence

40:54 Shaping Identity Through Experiences

41:49 The Power of Meditation for Mental Clarity

43:55 Recognising Burnout and Making Changes

46:59 Confronting Difficult Conversations

48:16 Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

RELATED EPISODES/LINKS:

On Working in Corporate Jobs:

25: On Marketing, Corporate Cultures, Having Fun, and Asking for Help: Dan Knowlton's Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/05/22/on-marketing-corporate-cultures-having-fun-and-asking-for-help-new-podcast-episode-out-now-featuring-dan-knowlton/

11: On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority - Gilles Dahan’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/02/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-3-out-now/

On Managing Personal Finances, Money & Debt:

37: On the Hidden Impact of Debt, Body Image Struggles, and Being “Replaceable” – Lorna McKenna’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/01/11/on-the-hidden-impact-of-debt-body-image-struggles-and-being-replaceable-on-work-life-balance-lornas-story-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

They say that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes.

So given that death, and coming to terms with loss, is something that we will all encounter at some point in our lives, thinking about the interplay between bereavement and work-life balance seems like an essential, albeit difficult, thing to talk about.

In this solo episode of "A Fine Balance:Work-Life Balance Confessions", I broach the subject in a stripped back, simple way, different to my usual “Work, Life, Balance Lessons” format.

Because what can we really learn about finding balance when you’re grieving? Grief doesn’t come with a lesson plan, or a neat and tidy formula or check list.

Instead, I share examples of podcast conversations where grief has surfaced. And I let them speak for themselves.

The examples aren’t intended to advise; they’re not meant to fix anything. They’re just reminders that when we talk about balance, sometimes that means making space for grief too.

RELATED EPISODES:

On Legacy, Purpose and Finding Work-Life Balance When You're Working as a Politician and Elected Official - Johnson Situ's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3v2kQZRhZxJK5MfqaXj9lO?si=0f00ooRkQ7OFuoONbBtLhA

On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - Katie Ford's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fb3ZcRFWigo7iOLUN4vss?si=HjjfQG37StO3Wyg7h6D1sQ

On Finding Balance When You Want To "Have It All", Teamwork, and Avoiding Stress: Ruth Todd CBE's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fb3ZcRFWigo7iOLUN4vss?si=HjjfQG37StO3Wyg7h6D1sQ

On Housekeeping, Middle-Age, and Finding Balance When Your Marriage Ends - Helen Hayward's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gGcu3qlJJALr4V4ulcguv?si=8PbZt8ZYQaGiHYyoC7AEMw
The Pursuit of Balance When You're Living Through War - Featuring Dr Ian Moran: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5t5hbVjCBY5b6Ng8qSEvOo?si=bb4LQ0LXTpOpOyP7E4Nkpw

In this episode, I sit down with Johnson Situ, a political advisor and diplomat who has dedicated his career to politics and public service.

He also happens to be the first politician that I've hosted on this podcast, so I took full advantage of asking him all about what it takes to pursue a work-life balance when you're an elected public figure, and when your work is driven so strongly by your ideals, beliefs and values. Are you always on the clock?

I'm pleased to say that I got more than just a politician's answer to these questions, and more!

In fact, Johnson's openness in talking about how his values are integrated into all of his work-life balance choices, and how they've been influenced by pivotal moments in his upbringing, were incredibly powerful and thought-provoking.

As well as this, we also touch on Johnson's experience of losing his beloved father at the formative age of twenty-one. As well as coping with the grief of his personal loss, Johnson describes mourning the future that his father never got to live: the dreams, the impact, the time that was cut short.

All this afforded Johnson with a profound clarity around how he wanted to use his time, how to make the most of living a life infused with purpose, and how recognising the fragility of life and success can help towards finding an inner sense of balance.

If you've ever wondered whether your day-to-day life aligns with the legacy you want to leave behind, then this episode is for you.

Throughout Johnson and my conversation, we cover:

🏘️ The experience of growing up on a council estate and navigating a school system where most peers left without qualifications

⚛️How to discover your core values—and why they should guide both your career and personal life

👥The unique challenges of finding balance in the early years of marriage

🌎The influence of being the child of immigrants, and how that shapes ambition and burnout across generations

❤️‍🩹How grief reshapes our relationship with time, purpose, and work

 RELATED EPISODES:

On the Work-Life Balance of Children of Immigrants

On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority: Gilles’ Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/02/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-3-out-now/

The Pursuit of Balance When Undergoing Infertility Treatment, and How to Regain Balance and Find Purpose in Unexpected Circumstances: https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/23/the-pursuit-of-balance-when-undergoing-infertility-treatment-and-how-to-regain-balance-and-find-purpose-in-unexpected-circumstances-new-podcast-episode-out-today/

On Career Change

Routh’s Story – On Panic Attacks, Career Changes, and Regaining Balance After Hitting Rock Bottom: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/12/07/rouths-story-on-panic-attacks-career-changes-and-regaining-balance-after-hitting-rock-bottom-new-podcast-episode-out-now/

On Finding Purpose

How to Reset Your Work-Life Balance by Mastering Four Internal Elements: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yExfehxCiHkFQ141IMDid?si=QFqolUcHTdqOmO0-kpcwIg

Do you ever feel judged for how you balance work with everything else in life? Or feel that people's judgments about you at work or in your personal life impacts on your overall sense of balance?

If so, you are not alone.

In this episode, I explore some of the real-life examples shared on the blog and podcast of how people have described responding to feeling judged, and the impact it has on their work-life balance choices.

The intention, as always, is to celebrate the different ways that individuals approach their pursuit of balance, and to learn from one another.

Throughout the episode, I explore three of the most common reactions I've encountered to feeling judged:

🏎️ Using it as fuel to assert your decisions and make empowering changes

😕Internalising others' expectations and views on your choice, leading you to feel stuck and doubt yourself

🦆 Acknowledging judgements people may be taking of you, but not allowing it to influence your decision-making or play on your mind

The episode invites listeners to reflect on how they react to feeling judged and the root causes of their reactions. It includes some tips and inspiration about how to be more mindful and deliberate in managing the powerful emotions that feeling judged evokes.     

RELEVANT LINKS:

'A Fine Balance' blog post on reacting to judgements with anger: "Treat ’em Mean, Keep ’em Keen": https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/09/treat-em-mean-keep-em-keen/

When Feeling Judged Fuels Change:

https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/03/work-life-balance-profile-2-sheara-abrahams/

https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/11/16/stay-at-home-mum-nadines-story-on-opting-out-of-a-career-path-valuing-a-mothers-presence/

On Teenage Pregnancy, Teacher Burnout & Finding Balance When You’re “Busy”: Laura’s Story - https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/05/26/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-5-out-now/

On Internalising People's Judgements of You:

https://a-fine-balance.com/2025/04/23/the-pursuit-of-balance-when-undergoing-infertility-treatment-and-how-to-regain-balance-and-find-purpose-in-unexpected-circumstances-new-podcast-episode-out-today/

Marsha’s Story – From high-flying professional to stay-at-home-mum: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/23/work-life-balance-profile-3-marsha/

When Unaffected by People's Judgements:

Finding Balance When You’re An Introvert in a Family and Workplace Full of Extroverts: https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/03/13/finding-balance-when-youre-an-introvert-in-a-family-and-workplace-full-of-extroverts-podcast-episode-out-now-season-3-episode-3/

On Finding Balance When You Want to “Have It All”, Teamwork & Avoiding Stress: Ruth’s Story: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/21/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-4-out-now/

Have you ever found yourself on a life or career path that took you completely by surprise? When a plan you’d mapped out so clearly in your head didn’t unfold the way you’d imagined — or hoped — it would?

Well, my guest in this podcast episode, Lana Manikowski, is no stranger to that kind of turning point. So much so, that she’s written a book entitled So Now What?, and hosts a podcast of the same name, which charts her experience of coming to terms with a reality vastly different from the one she’d envisioned.

At the heart of Lana’s story is an infertility struggle that lasted seven years, ultimately leading to the painful realisation that motherhood wasn’t going to be part ofher future — despite her hopes and expectations.

The impact on Lana’s working life was profound. It shifted not only her sense of purpose, but also how she viewed her own value and the role that work had played – and was evolving - in her life.

In our conversation, Lana opens up about how infertility treatment affected her work-life balance. We also talk about how her identity as the child of immigrants shaped her work ethic and values, and explore her bold transition from corporate life to self-employment.

Throughout this episode, I step outside my comfort zone to ask some direct, and at times difficult questions about motherhood and infertility – topics that are often considered off-limits in polite conversation- too personal, too painful and shrouded in stigma.

But Lana’s openness, her commitment to breaking the silence around these issues, and her desire to be the role model that she needed during her own darkest times, created the opportunity for us to explore the emotional realities that many women face – but few talk about.

In so doing, we get to the heart of how to find balance during infertility treatment, and what it means to rebuild a meaningful working life when the dream of becoming a mum doesn’t come true.

RELATED EPISODES:

On Work-Life Balance and Infertility Struggles:

14: On Pride, Acceptance & Finding Balance by Parenting Equally While Working Full-Time-Paul's Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/14-on-pride-acceptance-finding-balance-by-parenting/id1570430336?i=1000624615595

1: On self-care, the power of a positive mindset, and finding balance in mid-life - Soli’s Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-on-self-care-the-power-of-a-positive/id1570430336?i=1000530012085

On Collegiate Relations When You Don't Have Caring Responsibilities:

6: “Single & Childfree by Choice”. On boundary-setting & doing what makes you happy - Laurie’s Story - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-single-childfree-by-choice-on-boundary-setting-doing/id1570430336?i=1000553872664

I'm not knocking it. It's a great, simple technique that anyone can adopt to save and organise your time. But here’s the thing—not everyone does it.

In this Work, Life, Balance Lesson episode, we dig into why people make the time-management choices they do—and how those choices impact their overall sense of balance.

Rather than just throwing out generic tips and tricks (though I include a few of them in there too), through pulling out examples from the podcast's back catalogue, I explore the why behind how people manage their time.

Do you thrive on chaos? Or are you someone who loves systems and structure? Do you aim for control, or do you let things flow?

This is all about understanding how your approach to time-management affects your work-life balance, and how to find an approach that works for you.

Tune in to get inspired by real examples and to prompt self-reflection about how your time-management mindset can improve your sense of balance.

RELATED EPISODES:

Free-flowing approaches to managing your time:

5: On Marriage, Self-Employment & Primary Care-Giving: “Motherhood & the Mental Load” - Sarah’s Story:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eQujZzFTXQxjgwxsaLAAR?si=oYL_xcSqRS-lTkihXLBqIA

37: On the Hidden Impact of Debt, Body Image Struggles, and Being "Replaceable" on Work-Life Balance – Lorna's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Wr56OMoxCwUpMj3kfAa3P?si=claxAcHkQfGJ0eQpNrZ-lg

Structured approaches to managing your time:

27: On Flexible Working, Morning Routines & Finding Balance When You're In Charge - Rebecca’s Story:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DAOBqA2RnyMa19gayV9Iz?si=oAkIO6tdQ3qgOMn_PNlMiQ

31: The Pursuit of Work-Life Balance When You’re Single and Looking for Love - Katie’s Story:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3adn58AOuZU3UkJJyWzu08?si=f8OEGtdISOGOGH0NoTXdtQ

Managing your time when you live and work with a disability:

29: DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL: Pursuing a Work-Life Balance When You’re Disabled - Emma’s Story:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A98AP9zTkMzg9TYMDoC9J?si=Klo6jU_LQ12coM9fwZ1kFg

In this anonymous work-life balance confession, I share the story of "Susan" (not her real name) who revealed in a confidential interview the emotional and financial struggles she contends with in pursuit of her balance between work and everything else in life.

I share Susan's story of the crushing pressure of managing life on her own, with inadequate financial support from her ex-husband and the weight of constantly putting on a brave face for her kids.

Her story is one of hidden anxiety, self-doubt, and the deep desire to break the cycles of financial instability and unfulfilled potential in her family.

Having never attended university, Susan's journey highlights the extra barriers many face when trying to advance in their careers without formal education.

But despite these challenges, Susan’s determination to secure a better future for her children and herself shines through.
In summary, this episode touches on the work-life balance impacts of:

📚Having left school at 16 and not gaining further qualifications or attending university.

💍 Breaking out of an unhappy marriage and undergoing an acrimonious divorce, which involves disputes over finances of raising children.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Breaking repetitive destructive cycles of family choices around work and everything else in life.

😔 Experiencing "imposter syndrome" at work and not feeling you deserve to be in your job.

❤️‍🩹Giving yourself "permission" to take care of your own needs and desires when you're responsible for caring for others.

RELATED LINKS:

Susan’s Story – Climbing High: on Single Motherhood and Social Mobility: https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/01/20/susans-story-climbing-high-on-single-motherhood-and-social-mobility/.

Soli’s Story – “Sunny-Side Up, Please”: Self-Care for Caring Professionals, Finding Balance in Mid-Life & Staying Positive When the Course of Motherhood Doesn’t Run Smooth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-on-self-care-the-power-of-a-positive/id1570430336?i=1000530012085

On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome-Katie's Story: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-on-finding-balance-in-grief-being-a-high/id1570430336?i=1000602674042

In this episode, I dive into the lessons I've learned about the transformative power of gratitude and its profoundly positive impact on work-life balance.

Drawing from the real-life experiences of past podcast guests, I explore how cultivating gratitude has shaped their perspectives, helping them find greater balance between work and everything else in life, and enhancing their overall well-being.

From journaling and meditation, to mindful habits like appreciating the world around them during daily commutes, this Work, Life, Balance Lesson episode uncovers some of the diverse ways that gratitude can be harnessed within a work-life balance context.

Tune in for practical tips and inspiring ideas to cultivate more gratitude in your own life, no matter what work-life balance challenges you're navigating.

RELATED EPISODES:

41: Joe's Story - On Being a Primary-Caring Father, Juggling Work and Home Life With Creativity and Patience, and Finding a Work-Life Balance as a Self-Employed Gardener

9: Amanda's Story - On Not Being Career-Oriented, Finding Work-Life Balance as a Musician and Newlywed - Amanda's Story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Jn2d0OIvDJZ5W3fSeNreJ?si=W1C46eHSQ5SH-eAS0P1zFw

19: Bettina’s Story - on Finding Balance by Turning Your Passion into a Side Hustle: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4h3l1xPlM7dF4nqpnJ0Ddn?si=00b120a70391482d

8: Tom's Story - Finding Balance in Retirement: On Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, and Managing Passions: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31Jv1DnMt76HIX1ZltaUds?si=bb02611f0f8843b0

In this episode, self-employed gardener Joe Roukin, otherwise known as Mr Plant Whisperer, joins me for a candid conversation about his experience as a married dad of two who is the primary carer in his family.

Joe shares his unique perspective on how to strike the right balance between staying organised and ‘going with the flow’, while tackling work-life pressures with a problem-solving mindset.

He opens up about the role that patience plays in his pursuit of balance, and the effectiveness of sometimes "biting your tongue" to avoid conflict, especially when juggling career pursuits and family life.

For someone who spends the majority of his working time outdoors, Joe and I discuss the impact that connecting with nature has on his sense of balance, and how the physical side of his job creates opportunities for him to reflect deeply on all aspects of his life – and how this enhances his sense of balance.

For Joe, a former graphic designer turned teacher, being creative is the common denominator of his work and home-life ambitions. On this, Joe shares some practical advice for other creatives in pursuit of their balance.

Joe’s approach to working fatherhood is refreshingly authentic and pragmatic, and throughout our conversation we explore the notion of partners in a marriage supporting one another to achieve their desired goals, and a balance that works for each one individually.

Tune in on Spotify, Apple or wherever you usually get your podcasts, for an inspiring and uplifting conversation, which covers:  

🗂️🌊 Striking a balance between being organised and going with the flow

🧮 Applying a problem-solving mindset to cope with work-life balance pressures

💆🏼‍♂️ Coping with work-life balance stress by ‘biting your tongue’ to avoid conflict

🕰️ Finding balance when you’re a patient person

🌳 Connecting with nature and spending time outdoors

🧑‍🎨The pursuit of balance as a creative person, and after leaving the teaching profession

👥 Supporting one another in a marriage to find mutual work-life balance

RELATED EPISODES AND BLOG LINKS:

On Fathers Being the Primary Carer Within a Marriage:

Joe Roukin’s wife Sheara’s Work-Life Balance Profile: “Sheara’s Story – Behind the Movie Scenes: A Tale of Full-Time Working Motherhood”: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/03/work-life-balance-profile-2-sheara-abrahams/

John’s Story – “It’s a Dad’s World”: On fatherhood, Male Primary Care-Giving & Gender Equality: https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/03/21/johns-story-its-a-dads-world-on-fatherhood-male-primary-care-giving-gender-equality/

On Leaving the Teaching Profession:

Laura's Story - On Teenage Pregnancy, Teacher Burnout & Finding Balance When You’re “Busy”: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/05/26/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-5-out-now/

The rhetoric around work-life balance is often twinned with messaging around self-care and well-being.

And whilst it's true that the end result of improving your work-life balance is usually an enhanced sense of well-being, there are many ways in which a person can get to that point.

And one of those that this episode addresses is working more.

Yes, you read that correctly: this episode explores how you can improve your work-life balance by INCREASING your work load.

 In this episode I share some real life examples of people who have done just that, and shared their "work-life balance confession" on the podcast.

I will reflect on how this approach can enhance a person’s sense of balance, how it can be managed well, and what the pitfalls are when it goes wrong too.

Of course, self-care is the most commonly cited way of improving your work-life balance, but let this episode broaden your mind to other possibilities too.

RELATED EPISODES:

On Prioritising Work Over Other Things in Life:

11: Gilles' Story: On Finding Balance as a Career-Driven Family Man, When Work Takes Priority - https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/02/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-3-out-now/

21: Rami's Story: Finding Balance When You’re An Introvert in a Family and Workplace Full of Extroverts - https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/03/13/finding-balance-when-youre-an-introvert-in-a-family-and-workplace-full-of-extroverts-podcast-episode-out-now-season-3-episode-3/

Darren’s Story – Confessions of a Workaholic: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/08/27/108/

Marsha’s Story – From high-flying professional to stay-at-home-mum: https://a-fine-balance.com/2020/09/23/work-life-balance-profile-3-marsha/

12: Ruth's Story: On Finding Balance When You Want to “Have It All”, Teamwork & Avoiding Stress: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/04/21/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-4-out-now/8: Tom's Story - Finding Balance in Retirement: https://a-fine-balance.com/2022/06/18/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-episode-8-out-now/

On Reducing Work Load in Pursuit of Balance:

9: Amanda's Story - On Not Being Career-Oriented & Finding Balance as a Musician and a Newlywed: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/02/03/its-official-season-two-of-a-fine-balance-the-podcast-is-live/

16: Sam's Story - On Part-Time Working Fatherhood, Perfectionism & Finding Balance When Living with Cancer: https://a-fine-balance.com/2023/12/18/a-fine-balance-the-podcast-season-2-episode-8-out-now/

27: Rebecca’s Story - On Flexible Working, Morning Routines & Finding Balance When You're In Charge: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DAOBqA2RnyMa19gayV9Iz?si=oAkIO6tdQ3qgOMn_PNlMiQ

The Fine Balance Between Working Hard, and Working Too Hard: https://a-fine-balance.com/2022/05/18/the-fine-balance-between-working-hard-and-working-too-hard/

On Challenging the Term "Work-Life Balance":

What's in a Name?

https://a-fine-balance.com/2021/09/05/whats-in-a-name/

What the hell is “work-life balance” anyway? https://a-fine-balance.com/2024/10/11/what-the-hell-is-work-life-balance-anyway/