Think Tank: The Myth of Work-Life Balance

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Richard Janka, PsyD, 911 Training Institute

Among public safety personnel, including telecommunicators, fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. The rate is even higher for second marriages and even higher yet if both partners are in public safety.

Reasons include not being able to turn off work at the end of the shift and dragging it home, difficulty communicating with your partner, and dumping what you dragged home with you on them.

Some of the ways to improve the relationship are to allow yourself a buffer between the time you end your workday and the time you interact with your family. When you get home, let them know if you need some time to decompress. Share with your partner if they ask you to. Find ways to spend quality family time.

Other things that help are developing a few friends outside of your work environment. Find a hobby, use your vacation time. Ask for help.

The conclusion was that work-life balance is a myth, but it can be improved by being aware and taking steps to avoid the triggers.

Written by Charles Venske