The Art of Balance: Thriving in Work, Life, and Volunteer Roles
In the post pandemic world, I keep saying life, work, and just everything will slow down. Yet, life keeps getting busier, rather than slowing down despite my best efforts. Working mostly remote since 2020, I have taken on more work and a promotion, all while managing home school, then in person school with kiddos and navigating the trials and tribulations of twin teenage girls.
I enjoy my work as a grant and finance program manager, but I also love to volunteer to have influence in my community both personally and professionally. In September 2024, I started my fourth year as a girl scout leader, spending time with a multi-level group, specifically with brownies (2nd and 3rd grade scouts) and daisies (kindergarten and first grade). I spend 9 months a year trying to make the world a better place. I also am the treasurer for my local HOA and help in my community where I can.
Life has always been quite busy, especially during cookie season, but I craved something more. I found out what that was when I attended the 2016 SRAI Western Section meeting, meeting SRAI leadership and creating connections with fellow research administrators. I was fortunate enough to begin volunteering with SRAI, starting with helping with the silent auction and room monitor, then began working with Annedorte Vad with the chair committee and with Tonya Edvalson with membership. I really enjoyed this volunteer work. I was able to network with other administrators but also see how SRAI supports its membership. Fast forward to today, I am currently the President of the Western Section and was also Pacific Northwest Chapter President for two years. As time allowed, I was able to expand my capacity for supporting SRAI – though it was a challenge every now and again, because, well, LIFE.
I have been a research administrator for 14 years, and in joining SRAI, I am able to support my personal and professional goals while supporting its mission and values. How do I do it all? Well, sometimes I cannot and have to adjust my plans to do what I can. I am able to support SRAI missions and values by:
- Working with my employer, to ensure that I can do my volunteer work during my scheduled work week
- Asking my supervisor to support my career goals by allowing me to participate with SRAI whether as a volunteer, current President of the Western Section, or by attending workshops or Coffee Talks, etc.
- Requesting accommodations during my daytime hours to prep and present as a speaker for SRAI
- Aligning my career development and goals with organizational goals Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) believes in Integrity and Respect, Innovation and Agility, Constant Collaboration, and Persistent Inquiry – so to truly follow the BRIng It On approach. I applied these values to my SRAI experience, and the certificates and education I have received further my knowledge and experience for BRI and for me.
Consider how you can “do it all” or just “some of it” by supporting your career and education goals by participating in educational offerings, volunteering as a track chair or membership member, or becoming a member of leadership. SRAI has a call for Presenters for both Section Meetings and the 2025 Annual Meeting, so submit a proposal to present. Not ready to present alone? Reach out to the SRAI community or the SRAI team, and you can find someone to co-present with! While it can be challenging to carve out the time for career development, the value, educational and networking opportunities, and becoming a larger part of the volunteer community of SRAI, you are doing something for yourself as well.
Authored by Linda Dement, Grant & Finance Program Manager
Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason
SRAI Western Section President
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#September2024
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