Stop Chasing Balance: 4 Steps to An MSL's Path to Alignment

By Sarah Snyder
 

Let's get real about this whole work-life balance thing as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). 

It's a myth. And honestly? 

It's making you feel worse, not better.

Here's the truth: You'll never achieve perfect balance.

That conference week where your kid gets sick, your workout routine gets demolished, and you miss your sister's birthday? 

That's not YOU failing at balance. 

That's just LIFE as an MSL.

Stop trying to balance.

Start seeking alignment.

What's the difference? 

Balance suggests everything should have equal weight all the time.

But reality is - some weeks you're crushing it at work while your laundry piles up.

Other weeks you're killing it at home but feeling behind on emails. 

And you know what? That's not just okay - it's normal.

Alignment is about making conscious choices that fit YOUR life. 

Here's how to work towards alignment:

Step 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables

• Maybe it's a 15-minute morning walk.
• That weekly call with your best friend.
• Your kid's baseball games.
• Your morning workout.
• What is YOUR non-negotiable?
  • FILL YOURS IN HERE: _______________

Now here's the key... Build your schedule around these, not the other way around.

Step 2: Master Travel Time

• Work travel isn't a vacation - choose ONE of these to implement.
• Skip the moving walkway at the airport - get those steps in when you can.
• Pack resistance bands (they weigh nothing and work everywhere).
• Choose the healthy snack in the morning, skip the afternoon junk.
• Put a real book in your bag instead of doom-scrolling.
  
  

Step 3: Instead of trying to do everything, choose what matters:

• You don't have to cut out fun! Just be strategic...
• One drink at the networking event, not three.
• A quick stretch session in your hotel room over a full gym workout.
• A 10-minute meditation during your flight instead of watching another show.
  
  

Step 4: Power of Pre-Decisions... Before that big conference or travel week, decide:

• When you'll move your body.
• How you'll stay connected with family (and let them know).
• What your rest periods look like (yes, schedule them too!).
• Your food and drink guidelines.
  
  

Here's the last thing to remember:

Alignment changes.

What worked when you were 'new' won't work when you're leading projects.

What worked before kids might not work after.

That's not failure - that's growth.

Remember: The goal isn't perfection. 

It's purposeful choices that align with your values and goals.

Some weeks will feel more aligned than others. That's not just okay - it's life.

If you're new to the MSL role and feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. 

That's exactly why we created RISE - a community of new MSLs figuring this out together (join here).

Because sometimes the best alignment comes from knowing others are walking the same path.

The next time someone asks about your work-life balance, tell them you're not interested in balance. You're focused on alignment. 

Alignment is about making choices that move you toward your goals, even when they're not perfect.

And in this MSL life, that's exactly what we need.