Work–Life Intersections in Peacebuilding, Development, and Humanitarian Aid

Abstract

Through a literature review and a qualitative study, this essay examines how experienced professionals in the fields of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian aid view their vocation and how they conduct themselves at the intersections of work and life. Combining reflections on work–life balance and literature specific to the three fields mentioned above, it offers a theoretical framework for considering how the management of these intersections affects both personal life satisfaction and work outcomes. Individuals in these fields face specific pressures that may contribute to negative spillover from work to nonwork life. These pressures can cause stress and adverse mental health, leading to decreased personal satisfaction and impaired reflective practice. These outcomes can be mitigated by several factors including organisational or social support, work–life enrichment practices, healthy boundaries, and/or strong nonwork identities. A qualitative study of 20 professionals in these fields helps illustrate some of these dynamics.