37: On the Hidden Impact of Debt, Body Image Struggles, and Being "Replaceable" on Work-Life Balance – Lorna's Story

In this episode of A Fine Balance, we explore some serious life challenges that can impact a person's work-life balance, through the personal story of my guest Lorna McKenna. Lorna works full-time in local government, alongside running her passion project of coaching and hosting a personal development podcast called "Evolve & Expand". She is also expecting her first child so is on the cusp of some pretty seismic changes in 2025. Throughout our conversation, we cover: 💰Lorna's personal journey through debt - the anxiety and shame that came with it, and how it challenged her sense of balance. 🫦What it’s like to struggle with body image and the impact that this, and perpetually striving to lose weight, can have on a person’s work-life balance and mental well-being. 👥Lorna's experience of being let go from a role she had fully invested herself into. This shifted her work-life balance perspective profoundly as she faced the stark reality that "everyone is replaceable ". 🕰️ Plus, we dive into practical tips on how freeing up your schedule can create more balance in both work and home life. As the first podcast episode of the year and the Season, Lorna and I talk about new beginnings and she shares some wise words on embracing change and new beginnings. I hope the ideas that she shares supports listeners as they consider what finding a work-life balance in 2025 means to them. RELATED EPISODES: On diary management and scheduling: 27: On Flexible Working, Morning Routines, and How To Find a Work-Life Balance When You Like to Be In Charge: Rebecca Newenham's Story: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dalya-wittenberg2/episodes/27-On-Flexible-Working--Morning-Routines--Finding-Balance-When-Youre-In-Charge---Rebeccas-Story-e2jd8tu/a-aaoejho On debt and financial worries:  25: On Work-Life Balance in Marketing and Corporate Jobs, Having Fun & Asking for Help - Dan Knowlton's Story: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dalya-wittenberg2/episodes/25-On-Work-Life-Balance-in-Marketing-and-Corporate-Jobs--Having-Fun--Asking-For-Help---Dans-Story-e2i8717/a-aaoejho You can listen to my interview on Lorna's podcast, "Evolve & Expand", here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lorna-mckenna/episodes/83-Creating-Your-Own-Version-of-Balance-with-Dalya-Wittenberg-e2hmns6/a-ab47245