14/01/2026
Work–life balance is honestly very difficult for me.
I often reach my limits because I carry many responsibilities. I work three jobs, I‘m a wife, and I also take care of my mother at home. She is a stroke survivor and lives with dementia. On top of that, there is the household and everyday life.
At the beginning, I was very overwhelmed. It was not easy at all. But I am very grateful for my husband. He is my biggest support. I truly believe that when you have the right partner by your side, someone who understands and supports you, you can find balance, even in very hard situations.
Of course, balance does not mean everything is perfect. It means learning to take small moments for yourself. Even if it is just a few minutes a day, you must protect that time. Resting, breathing, doing something small you enjoy, this is very important. Otherwise, you break.
Caring for someone who is dependent on you, especially with dementia, is very demanding. Anyone who does this understands how heavy it can be. That is why self-care and support are not optional, they are necessary.
Balance is something I work on every day. It is not easy, but with love, understanding and support, it becomes possible.
Ijeoma G Ajaegbu Okpara
