Beyond Work and Life What Role Does Time for Oneself Play in Work-Life Balance?

Research concerning Work-Life balance has focused primarily on a division between time devoted to work and social life; but in addition, individuals require time for themselves - they desire "me time." This study investigates the role of me time when considering more than two dimensions for the Work-Life balance model. By combining theoretical considerations regarding me time with an existing four-dimensional life-balance approach, the existence of a three-dimensional life-balance concept with factors for work time, social time, and me time was tested and confirmed. Secondly, the predictive effects of the life-balance concept on health were studied. The results showed that the three-dimensional life-balance model predicts more variance in health than does the two-dimensional approach that includes only the factors work and social time. Individuals who scored high on a self-reported life-balance scale also scored higher on self-reported health measures. Finally, the relationship between life balance and personal resources was investigated. Core self-evaluations and self-regulation revealed predictive effects on life balance. In line with theoretical expectations, individuals skilled in personal resources reported higher levels for life balance.