Finding work-life balance one fish at a time

As an advisor, you work to spread understanding and help people achieve their financial goals.

As an avid fisherman, Peter Jason Byrne also seeks to share his expertise with others.

“I’ve definitely caught more fish than most people will in their lifetime,” said the 10-year MDRT member from Coorparoo, Queensland, Australia. “Now I take pleasure in helping people catch the biggest fish they’ve ever caught.”

That could be family, clients or staff — or, commonly, a solo excursion. No matter the situation, fishing, a popular activity in boat-heavy Queensland, is Byrne’s preferred way of maintaining work-life balance. “I have to fish every week for my mental health program,” he said. “I just find water’s a very good medicine for me. If I don’t connect with it, I get a bit antsy to be a part of it.”

Byrne keeps Fridays free on his schedule and uses the flexibility for frequent fishing outings in the morning or with clients during the day. (The light schedule on Friday isn’t just for Byrne; his whole team gets to leave an hour early, a perk he says helps with mental health and keeps them pushing hard during the work week.)

Byrne does note, however, that just because he is a veteran fisherman does not mean that he is always successful. “Some days it’s actually floating because the fish don’t cooperate,” he says. “It may be fishing, or it may be just me floating in the boat.”

For more Whole Person ideas

•        “Well mind and body” (pdf)
•        “Don’t allow negativity” (video)
•        “Whole Person balance quiz” (pdf)