Finding the “work-life” balance in Jackson Hole

Snow King Jackson Hole
Realtors struggle to find "work-life" balance in Jackson Hole

Snow King, downtown Jackson Hole.

Flipping through the pages of Real Simple magazine, I was intrigued by an article which discussed leading a balanced life, and more specifically, striking a “work-life” balance. Professionals in all vocations can relate to the difficulty in finding this balance. Most of us feel the need to “take more time” for ourselves but don’t allow it as we are convinced that we’re too busy with more “pressing” obligations.

Despite its broad implications for all working individuals, this article struck me on a personal level. It brought to mind all of the times I’ve heard that Realtors in this valley “have it made”—to an outsider, particularly in this town, it seems that our job description allows for endless flexibility and play. Who, therefore could imagine that we too can struggle to find that “work-life” balance.

Speaking from experience, I can verify that the struggle does in fact exist in our profession.  For these people, knowing when to take a day off or put the phone down can be just as difficult as working on a powder day. My mother and associate, Mercedes, falls into the former category. Showing property on an “epic” powder day isn’t something that upsets her. Our busy season in real estate is short lived, and the best seasons for Jackson activities correlate with our peak selling season. “So be it,” is Mercedes’ opinion—she loves what she does and does what she loves. For her, the hard part is knowing when to slow down.

But, even she, over the years, is learning to strike more of a balance. Though she still tends more towards the “work” side (and I’m sure always will due to her high energy, diligent nature) she still finds time to relax every now and again. For instance, one of her favorite pastimes is sitting by the creek outside of her house with a crossword puzzle or book on a summer afternoon (but never without her cell phone close by in the case of a last minute showing.)

Hard working, reliable people like my mom are few and far between but everyone needs down time at some point. I hope that Mercedes’ personal discovery of a “work-life” balance continues and that maybe one summer soon I will find her by the creek taking a nap WITHOUT her phone nearby—she certainly deserves it!