Edited by Julia Hanna and Jen McFarland Flint; illustrations by Rose Wong

In the “before times,” work stress was something that could be compartmentalized. You left your office at the end of the day and put miles between you and your computer. Now, of course, that’s all changed. Jordan Taylor (MBA 2018) launched the group coaching company Medley from her dining room table last July. In that time she also got married, lost a family member, and adopted a puppy—major life events that were recognized around the same dining room workstation. Add to that her husband’s work life: “He’s also an entrepreneur, so we have been experiencing each other’s entrepreneurial ups and downs in our small apartment,” she says. It’s been a refrain repeated by her Medley clients as well: “We are seeing the implications of work choices on our mental health, our marriages, and on our family lives and friendships like never before.” Here, some thoughts on how to deal with the intersectionality of the moment—because when life’s elements blend together, it becomes harder to find perspective on any of them.

Find clarity.

This loss of boundaries in life actually presents an opportunity for self-examination, Taylor says, to bring clarity to the values that most matter to you. Use this moment as an opportunity to evaluate how well your choices reflect your values and how well the various pieces of your life are working together. When you show up for work or to your relationships with friends and family, are you bringing your authentic self? Are you getting what you need from your job? Are you finding fulfillment outside of work? If you don’t like what you find, use the moment to recalibrate.

Refill your cup.

Launching a business is an emotionally challenging experience, and Taylor notes she could easily fill her days with nothing but work. Instead, she says, “I’m working very hard to maintain my own sense of identity outside of business.” Whether that’s going for a run or making time for family and friends, create the space for the activities that keep you happy and healthy. The inherent isolation of current times has made this kind of self-care even more crucial, Taylor reminds us.

Jordan Taylor is the cofounder of Medley, an executive coaching program that provides small-group experience, discussion panels, forums, and workshops.

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