The aforementioned work life balance is a relatively new concept, previously known as life. I’m a fan of the simpler term, but want to acknowledge how one can prepare you for the other.
With my wife out of town for work, I’ve been in charge of the mornings/nights of both children, which has been an adjustment. To all the caregivers who do this always, I am impressed/humbled. It’s a multi-tasker’s dream, and minimalist’s nightmare. Here’s a small stream of consciousness of me in the midst of it at before dinnertime - is she on the couch? no, playing with that - good, maybe a minute then, careful cut carrots not fingers, did he say dad? oh he found it, zucchini? no, still more carrots - is she on the couch? put her in here? no still playing with that, nuggets 20 seconds maybe 25 will he eat some? no, no letters left - what else? has he pooped? when? fiber - apples first so cinnamon doesn’t scatter - does she have fruit left? etc.
It’s a flow, I’m a shark, always moving from one microtask to the next, a flurry of meal prep for three different ages.
When an action comedy project comes through the pipeline, the clearly written character and action gives me a direct path through an enjoyable experience. There are quick transitions that require focus, but none of them feel very challenging given the number of transitions my life requires, and the focus is a delightful break from the frenetic pace of whack-a-mole that happens when two children need different things at the same time.