Use of English - Multiple Choice

Work-Life Balance

For many adults, trying to balance a demanding job with family responsibilities is a constant (0) STRUGGLE. Modern technology, which was supposed to make life easier, has in some ways only added to the pressure, as employees are often expected to remain (1) .......... to work messages long after they have left the office. At the same time, family members may feel neglected if work repeatedly takes (2) .......... over shared meals, school events, or time set aside for rest. One of the main difficulties lies in the fact that both areas of life make heavy (3) .......... on a person’s time and energy. Parents, in particular, may feel under pressure to succeed professionally while also being fully (4) .......... in their children’s lives. This can lead to guilt, exhaustion, and the sense that they are never doing enough in either role. Experts often suggest setting clear boundaries and learning to (5) .......... out time for family in the same way one would for an important meeting. It is also vital to discuss expectations openly at home and at work, so that problems can be dealt with before they (6) .......... into more serious conflicts. Although perfect balance may be impossible, small changes can still make a significant (7) .......... . In the end, the goal is not to divide time equally, but to ensure that neither work nor family is consistently (8) .......... at the expense of the other.