Hi everyone!
My name is Noelle and I am a computer science and communication studies double major. When I decided to attend Rollins I knew that I wanted to study abroad. I was determined, for instance, freshman year I walked into the study abroad office and wanted to go abroad then, thankfully they don’t allow that. However, I always knew I wanted to go to Australia. Therefore, I just needed to decide on which program, after deciding on Sydney I realized I made the right choice for me.
Before I attended the USYD I recognized how U.S. culture was seen worldwide-wide and how many other countries are aware of it. For instance, American politics, music, and culture is prevalent world-wide. However, one essential aspect of American culture I wanted to focus on that will be developed through studying abroad is American’s view of work life balance. In my communication major, I wrote a paper on this subject and through always striving to be a global citizen it has developed. This balance seeks harmony between different aspects of life. The two statements that resonate with this aspiration is “live to work” and “work to live.” This further varies based on the environment you were raised in and their beliefs on the matter. For me in particular my dad resonates with the first statement and my mom, the second. This is due to many outside factors such as how they were raised or their personal preference. However, most Americans are placed in the first sector of “live to work.” From just talking to international students at Rollins I have learned this mindset is not universal just like it is not with my parents. However, many individuals find it easier to group everyone in a nation to a particular type. Nothing wrong with it if it helps in the development of understanding. However, I believe it should just be the base and knowledge is built on top through first hand experiences. This can also be seen in politics, for instance in America one party’s beliefs are not the beliefs of everyone in that group, it is just easier for some to determine their viewpoint through generalizing it. Work life balance is something many should strive for and it varies based on person.
Due to the United States global stretch I percieve many outside nations either correlate with the generalization “live to work.” Generally, older Americans and Asain countries correlate to the statement, “live to work.” However, on a global lense particularly France, Australia, and New Zealand people correlate with the statement, “work to live.”
This exercise helped me recognize my approach and understanding of work life balance on a global lense and how no route is wrong whether one wants to focus on life in work or life outside of work. All that matters is ones happiness and this helps me in the process of going abroad. I choose to not let one aspect control the other and I am aware my balance will drastically change when I am abroad due to a outside culture influence. However, I am accepting of this and hope to become more holistic in the end. Further more, the fear of not having enough time to do work or not getting to explore the country I am in is lessened with this fact that a balance may change. Also, work life harmony is more of a appropriate term for this.