The Juggling Act: Why Balance Matters and what is it?

Opening Story

It was National Day, and my children’s nursery had organized a full morning of activities for parents and kids. That day, I was scheduled to cover the pediatric section in the emergency room. So, with a heavy heart and feeling torn, I left my own children behind, knowing I had to care for others’ children.

During my shift, my colleagues noticed I wasn’t myself. When I shared my feelings, one of them said, “Go see the nursery. See your kids. Even five minutes with them means the world. Those moments may seem small to us, but to them, they are memories they’ll cherish, believe me, kids don’t forget and the department will run”

I spoke to my line manager, who kindly agreed to cover me briefly. Without hesitation, still wearing my ID, I grabbed my lab coat and stethoscope and rushed to the nursery. I found my firstborn crying, being comforted by a teacher’s assistant, while the other kids celebrated National Day with their parents. The smile that lit up my child’s face when they saw me was priceless.

I stayed only a short while, then returned to my shift, trusting my colleague to manage in my absence. Life went on. But three years later, my firstborn still tells me every National Day, “Mama, you came from the hospital to see me.” Kids don’t forget.

That day made me realize something important: by being a good parent, I become a better doctor. The love, patience, and empathy I nurture at home strengthen my care for the children I treat in the ER. Being present for my kids fuels my passion and compassion in my work.

Defining Work-Life Balance

I believe work-life balance is different for every parent. For some, it means getting a full eight hours of sleep every night. For others, it might be exercising daily or treating themselves to a weekly visit to the beauty parlor. Balance really depends on what each of us needs.

It doesn’t have to be a perfect 10-hour block of “me time.” Sometimes, just one evening a week where you don’t have to be a parent—where you can simply be yourself with no responsibilities, no phone calls, and no one asking you for help with wiping or comforting—can make all the difference.

For me, finding balance meant carving out that one moment where, after returning from it, I could be a better person, a better parent, and a better doctor. It’s the little, meaningful pockets of time and care that help us recharge and show up fully in all parts of our lives. This is why I’ve learned to stop chasing a perfect ‘balance’ and start cultivating personal ‘harmony.

Common Myths and Real-Life Challenges

When I welcomed parenthood, someone who has mentored me since my medical school days said something that stuck: “Do not try to be you, Sabrina—the perfect doctor, the perfect parent, the perfect everything, like you want to be and have been taught to be—it’s okay to let go a little.” He told me, very frankly, that it is okay to delegate, to ask for help, and not to be a perfectionist. “Otherwise, you’ll burn out, and then you’re no use.”
His advice was blunt, but honest. Looking back, I see the truth in his words: it’s possible to do your best and succeed in your own way.

There’s a myth that working parents should be able to “do it all”—excel at work, keep a perfect home, attend every event, and never miss a milestone. But the truth is that striving for a flawless balance only brings more stress and guilt.

Many people talk about work-life balance as if it means splitting our time and energy perfectly between work and home, day in and day out. But real life isn’t two simple halves—it’s a symphony of many moving parts, and some days one part will be louder than the others.

Being a working parent comes with very real challenges. There’s the guilt of missing special moments, and the pressure to advance at work while also being present for your family. On top of that, society often pushes us to “have it all,” leaving us with impossible expectations and feelings of inadequacy.

Sometimes, what matters most is letting go of the idea of perfect balance and instead seeking harmony—finding what works for your family and your career at different times, and giving yourself grace when days don’t go as planned. Be kind to yourself.

Why Finding Harmony Matters

This pursuit of harmony isn’t just about managing your calendar or achieving a perfect split between work and home; it’s about protecting your well-being and strengthening the connections that matter most. When you find moments for yourself, everything benefits—your mood, your relationships, and even your work performance.

There was a time when I thought about giving up medicine. The pressure felt overwhelming, and I questioned if I could keep going. But then one day, my firstborn proudly told his teacher, “Mommy saves people, she’s a doctor.” On my days off, he often asks why I’m not going to work. Moments like these remind me that being a physician is a privilege. My kids and husband look up to me, and that fuels my strength and purpose.

Harmony helps prevent burnout and reminds you that your own needs are valid. When you recharge, you bring more patience and energy to your family. And as that day in the nursery taught me, that same renewed focus and empathy flows directly into our professional lives. For children, seeing their parent thrive both at home and at work sets a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and self-care.

The pursuit of balance isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It helps you show up as your best self, fuels joy in daily life, and allows both your family and your career to flourish. Recognizing why this harmony is so vital is the first step. But turning that recognition into reality requires a conscious choice—a promise to ourselves and to those who walk this path alongside us. That is where the real journey begins.

Your Personal Commitment

Starting this series is a promise to myself and to every working parent out there: you don’t have to walk this path alone. I’m committed to sharing honest stories, practical tips, and real encouragement because I know that balancing work and parenthood is a marathon, not a sprint.

This commitment means being vulnerable about the struggles and celebrating the wins—big and small. It means creating a safe space for all of us to share, learn, and grow together.

My hope is to inspire working parents to prioritize their well-being without guilt, to embrace imperfection, and to find joy in the chaos. This series is for you—to remind you that your efforts matter and that thriving in work and parenthood is possible on your own terms.

Reflect & Connect

Now, take a moment for yourself. What does work-life balance mean to you right now? Is it about quiet moments of rest, more time with your family, or simply feeling less overwhelmed?

I invite you to write down your top three life priorities—those things that truly matter most to your happiness and well-being. Keep this list close and come back to it when life feels hectic.

Let me share a story that reminds me how help comes just when we need it. I was two days before my delivery date, very, very pregnant, when a severe polytrauma patient arrived, and part of my plan was to secure his airway. Picture this: my huge pregnant belly was between the patient’s head and myself. The nurses were amazing—they brought me a stool, called a doctor from another section, but I didn’t want to call too many people because everyone was so busy. As I was pre-oxygenating and preparing equipment, my junior colleague walked into the resuscitation bay and said with a friendly smile, “Doctora, get out of the way, you’ll go into labor. I’ll pass the tube and then take over.” He swooped in and handled it—then left.

The patient did very well in the end. That day reminded me that God watches over us and sends help in unexpected ways as long as we strive to do good. We don’t have to do it alone.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments. Your story matters, and together, we can build a community where working parents support and inspire one another.

Remember, balance isn’t a destination—it’s a journey, and every step you take matters.