The Work and Life of Young Professionals: Rationale and Strategy for Balance

Abstract

Much work/life research has excluded the experiences of single individuals who do not have children. In response, the authors of this qualitative study investigated the experiences of 183 members of that population. Electronic survey data were collected and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to answer the research question, “How do young, single professionals who do not have children view work/life balance?” Findings support the conclusion that young professionals define work/life balance in terms of (a) their reasons for seeking it, and (b) the strategies they use to do so. Participant responses also expressed a concern with the encroachment of work on the life domain. Implications for scholars and practitioners are examined.

Keywords:

• Organizational Communication
• Work/life Balance
• Young Professionals

Acknowledgments

This project was funded in part by the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire Blugold Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program and the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Special thanks to Mandy Narverud for her contributions to the development of this research as a Blugold Fellow.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicole J. Schultz

Nicole J. Schultz (PhD, Bowling Green State University, 2007) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Mary F. Hoffman

Mary F. Hoffman (PhD, University of Kansas, 2000) is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Communication and Journalism at University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI.

Amy J. Fredman

Amy J. Fredman is a Bainbridge are undergraduate students at University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI.

Amy L. Bainbridge

Amy L. Bainbridge is a undergraduate students at University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI.