Seize your potential, but smell the roses

Over the past month, it seems that the articles discussing women in the workplace are at an all time high. That, or they're going more viral than ever. Sheryl Sandberg is at the center, making waves in statements that she leaves work at 5PM to be with her children, and more recently, in her commencement speech at Barnard, telling women to, "keep your foot on the gas pedal" and "not leave before you leave". I've stayed abreast of all of this, including content of the same sentiment; that women indeed can have it all, not feel guilty, and still succeed.

But here's the thing. I am not Sheryl Sandberg. I am not the COO of Facebook, nor am I the head of Digital at another Fortune 500 company. How did these women get to their current roles? I am absolutely certain no one left work at 5PM. And therein lies an issue I battle with. I don't, as I am sure other women who strive to be successful feel, believe I "deserve" to shut down at 5PM, 6PM or even 8PM. I am always on, always aiming to make my mark. 

While there have been articles on not feeling guilty, there has been a equal amount regarding women who burn out too early. Women who are mentally and physically exhausted by 35. Women who leave corporate jobs they thought they wanted to work for themselves, live in the country, or pursue other methods of happiness. 

The truth is, at 27 I am in my prime to work my ass off. It is the first time in my life I am financially able to be on my own, save money, and do the things I want. I don't have children, I am not married and besides some friends who don't understand the work-life balance I've chosen, I don't have anyone to make me feel guilty. Except of course, myself. I worry that I will not succeed in the sea of opportunity that has been made possible. 

Feminism was supposed to be about choice. And, I think it still can be. With the promotion of "balancing" our work and personal lives (more to the tune that men have always done), then we will be even more successful. If I don't leave at 6PM some nights, go to the gym, take vacation, and see guilty-pleasure movies then I will become to resent my work. My work should enable me to do the things I want and only under the strictest of deadlines, hinder it.