This Working Life Work origin stories and how they influence us
Apr 11, 2025
Lyndall Strazdins, a clinical psychologist and work-life researcher, teams up with Jono Nicholas, founder of The Wellbeing Outfit, to discuss how childhood experiences with work shape adult perspectives on balance. They reflect on how parents’ careers influence children's choices and emotional well-being. The conversation dives into the importance of flexible work arrangements, shared household responsibilities for gender equality, and how the pandemic has reshaped young people's views on work dynamics and collaboration. Practical tips on handling performance reviews are also shared!
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Lyndall's Father's Balanced Work
- Lyndall Strazdins describes her father as a creative small businessman who loved his work and had balanced hours around 8:30 to 5:30 with a lunch break.
- She saw him as steady, relaxed about work, proud of his output, and not anxious or angry about his work.
Jono's Parents' Work Stories
- Jono Nicholas shares his parents' different work stories: his mother was an educator affected by gender norms limiting her career.
- His father, a refugee, valued economic security and hard work, starting his own successful psychology practice mid-life.
Lyndall's Work-Family Boundaries
- Lyndall Strazdins balanced raising kids during her degrees with flexibility but financial and time pressures.
- She set strict work boundaries, limiting herself to 40 hours weekly to protect family time, despite career risks.