More than 150 couples enjoyed an enlightening and entertaining afternoon at Maybe Baby’s inaugural “Hot Date” @ the Movies event on 7 August 2010. Held at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, the event marks the start of a series of four movies and talks organised by I Love Children, aimed at encouraging couples to embark on parenthood through fun-filled activities.
Work-life coach and expert Mr David Lock’s kick-started the “Hot Date” series with his engaging talk on how to achieve work-life harmony.
Mr Lock noted that “there’s no such thing as work-life balance because life is much more than just work and life”. He emphasised that the responsibility of charting a fulfilling life lies with the individual – the employer will not “give” work-life balance to you, and neither will anyone else.
In short, individuals have to make an effort to make work-life harmony happen.
To beat those Monday blues, Mr Lock has this piece of advice, “Start by telling yourself that work is noble. If you see that your work is noble, you will enjoy it more, and you will want to add value to it until you can’t add anymore.”
Using the analogy of a tree with deep roots, Mr Lock explained that we should “plant” firm roots in four areas: ourselves, our family, our work and our community, in order to flourish as an individual.
“Build your core values now with your spouse, and focus on building relationships so you can plant and flourish later,” said Mr Lock, “Get off the hedonic treadmill of chasing after the 5 ‘C’s, and think of your holistic well-being. And don’t just work, create value and add value in your work.”
For couples who are hesitant to start a family because they fear falling behind in their careers, Mr Lock pointed out that taking time off your job may not necessarily jeopardise your career.
“Careers need not be linear. Many couples let the wives stay at home to look after their babies for a few years. All you need is focus: Be really good, and I mean, world class in something. Someone, someday, will pay you for your value. Or you could start a home business and then you won't even need to find any work - you employ yourself.”
In conclusion, Mr Lock noted that while Singaporeans are great planners and well-educated; being too rational makes it hard for us to take the plunge for anything.
“We are too academically smart so we shoot ourselves in the foot even before we take the first step. I would be Forrest Gump anytime than be a Singapore ISO9000 graduate - life only happens when we are living it - not planning or thinking it.”
The hour-long session by Mr Lock struck a chord with many couples, who had signed up to learn more about how to realise work-life balance.
Newlyweds Aaron, 31 and Lifen, 28 had differing views on work-life balance before the talk: Aaron, an independent financial planner, felt that work-life balance was possible, while Lifen was rather skeptical.
After hearing the tips shared by Mr Lock, both agreed that with the support from family and friends, juggling work and parenthood may be achievable after all.
“Initially, I thought being financially well-off was the most important, because we all want the best for our children. But after hearing the talk, I’ve realised that having the support and help and family and friends is more important,” noted Lifen. “While I’m still concerned about whether we have enough money, I won’t worry so much about it now.”
Aaron nodded and added, “I’ve always thought work-life balance was possible, partly because I am self-employed and have a more flexible work schedule. The talk definitely reminded me of the importance of having family and friends around to support us in order to achieve that.”
Ian, 37 and Meilan, 33, have been married for two years and are planning to have children. Both were inspired to put what they have learnt during the talk into action.
“I think you must first make work noble before you can start changing the other things at work,” said Meilan, “Otherwise, work will always be boring and unhappy for you.”
Agreeing, Ian shared, “I will try to enjoy my job more; when you start the day right every day, then you will have no more Monday blues.”
Following the insightful session on work-life balance, couples were then treated to a screening of the popular action flick “The Last Airbender”, plus free popcorn and soft drinks.
To round up the afternoon, couples also got to take home a free couple photo shot taken at the event – a perfect way to remember the first “Hot Date” @ the Movies.
If you missed out on Maybe Baby’s first “Hot Date” @ the Movies, fret not. Keep your eyes on the Maybe Baby portal for details of the next “Hot Date” coming up very soon - in September.
