Work-Life Balance in International Cooperation: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

1. Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability
   Having flexibility is essential when working in international cooperation. Whether relocating for a partner's career or adapting to new work patterns, professionals must remain agile. Adrian highlighted the importance of having options and the ability to pivot when required."Flexibility allowed us to adapt quickly," he said, reflecting on his strategy to maintain balance. 
   
   Adrian's family followed the "160% rule," which meant he and his wife's combined work efforts never exceeded 160% to preserve family stability. This strategic planning played a significant factor in avoiding burnout and helping to foster a supportive family environment.
    
2. Prioritising Mental and Physical Health 
   Maintaining mental and physical health is non-negotiable in high-stress environments. So-Young recounted her disciplined routine during her time in Iraq. Despite restricted mobility, she prioritised her physical well-being by running ten laps around the compound every evening. She also stressed the importance of seeking professional help and utilising mental health support services provided by organisations like the UNFPA. "It was about knowing your limits and moving to stay fit," she explained. 
   
   Organisational structures like the UN's Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave system, for example, play a vital role in allowing staff to recharge. These structured breaks offer a much-needed reprieve from the intensity of work, enabling professionals to return to their positions refreshed and focused. 
    
3. Valuing Family and Support Networks
   Navigating family life while managing the demands of international cooperation requires ingenuity and compromise. Caroline shared how she brought her four-month-old baby to a malaria-endemic region, balancing feeding sessions with prison visits. Despite the challenges, she appreciated her organisation's flexibility and emphasised the importance of family support. "There was always a way," she said. 
   
   Adrian and his wife leveraged job-sharing opportunities to raise their young children while continuing their professional journeys. "It wasn't always about the most exciting job," he explained. "Sometimes, it was about finding roles that allowed our family to thrive." 
    
4. Leveraging Opportunities for Growth and Reflection 
   The dynamic nature of international cooperation creates unique growth opportunities. Caroline reflected on her decision to pursue a PhD in bioethics after a decade of fieldwork. "It allowed me to process my experiences and become a more reflective leader," she shared. 
   
   For many professionals, investing in further education, taking sabbaticals, or pursuing new roles offered a chance to re-energise and gain fresh perspectives. These growth opportunities equipped them to navigate future challenges more effectively. 
    
5. Cultivating a Value-Driven Approach 
   Values often act as a compass for those working in international cooperation. So-Young highlighted the significance of being mission-driven. "It was easy to blur the lines between work and life when your work was so value-driven," she explained. Staying disciplined and aligning actions with personal values can provide clarity and purpose, a sentiment that many professionals in this field can relate to. 
   
   Caroline found stoicism a helpful framework for navigating the scrutiny and setbacks often encountered in her line of work. "Check your values, invite scrutiny, and move forward," she advised. 

International cooperation is rewarding but comes with inherent challenges. From navigating unpredictable crises to coping with extended periods away from loved ones, maintaining a work-life balance requires, at times, careful planning. 

Professionals should consider: 

• establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life 
• exploring flexible work arrangements like remote work or job-sharing 
• engaging in regular self-care routines to support physical and mental health 
• investing in personal and professional development to build resilience 
• fostering open communication within families and teams to strengthen mutual support

Ultimately, sustaining a balance between personal and professional life is all about making informed and thoughtful choices. By aligning careers with individual values and adapting to life's changing demands, professionals in international cooperation can continue to contribute meaningfully to their roles while preserving personal well-being.