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Charlotte Talks: Finding Work-Life Balance In Our Work-Obsessed Culture

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Monday, Dec. 30, 2019

We begin a series on a topic that many Americans struggle with: achieving a work-life balance. We start with a look at the basics swirling around why we don’t take vacations, why we can’t seem to leave work behind and concentrate on family and, when we do, fail at both. We examine the challenges and explore whether a work-life balance is possible.

This show originally aired Sept. 23, 2019. It is part of a special four-part series about work-life balance. Details.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Overburdened? Overworked? You’re not alone. A rising number of people are reporting burnout at work. Many of us – from white collar to blue collar jobs – live in an 'always on' culture obsessed with work.

We don’t take vacations, we juggle family time with work commitments – sometimes failing at both – and it’s making us miserable. Is there any hope for equilibrium?

Today we start a four-part series looking at work-life balance – and whether it can truly be achieved. We’ll talk about child care challenges, family leave policies, and finally, how to find fulfillment – and maybe even happiness – at work.

But first, we start with a look at how to find work-life balance in our over-worked culture. Is it possible?

Guests

Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic, where he writes about economics, technology, and the media. He is also host of the podcast Crazy/Genius which tackles big questions about technology and culture

Brigid Schulte, Author of Overwhelmed: Work, Love & Play when No One has the Time. She is director of the Better Life Lab at New America.

Stay Connected
Erin Keever is Senior Producer of WFAE's Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins. She has been with the show since joining the station in 2006. She's a native Charlottean.