A UAE working woman on work-life balance

"I love giving my home simple makeovers"

Rebecca Wilson moved to the UAE as managing director of ESP Recruitments, which takes up most of her time. She is also President of International Live Events Association (ILEA) in the Middle East, which, although hugely rewarding, made her "even busier". Despite this, she is proud of the work-life balance she's achieved over the years. Says she: "I work hard, long hours, but when I'm finished for the day, I switch off. This is essential to staying grounded and enjoying life to the fullest. I like being busy, and am not very good at doing nothing, but I do know how to relax." Her idea of winding down after a busy day:
Taking phone-free walks
I like nothing more than a good walk every evening - ideally by the sea, but in the absence of it, I'll opt to take a brisk walk around Barsha Park, or around the Arabian Ranches where I live. The peace and quiet - I never take my phone - allows me time to reflect and mull things over. It's great because I believe it's important to enjoy your own personal space, and these walks allow me to do just that.
Playing mentor
A former player in a ladies netball team, I used to have great fun playing in a friendly league called RU Active Social, which met on Monday evenings for two hours at Dubai Sports City. A recent back injury has pushed me to the sidelines though, so I now play the role of manager/coach to Absolute Beginners - a group of 10 women, aged 35-45 - and still find a lot of joy in the team spirit that we share as a group.
Enjoying hotel stays
Having grown up in a seaside town, I started my career in hotels at the age of 13 and pursued it well into my 20s. As a result, I've developed a lifelong love of the industry. I love going to hotels - whether for a meeting, dinner or a stay, if possible. I also have an annoying (or helpful, however you choose to see it!) tendency to review the place or post my feedback after the experience. It makes me wonder sometimes if I wouldn't enjoy a future 'retirement career' as a hotel inspector!
Exploring the city
I love exploring my city to get to know it better. I read up every week and try to visit the different areas recommended - both for my fill of culture, and to satisfy my curiosity and build my knowledge of new areas or developments around town. In fact, friends and colleagues often consult me about interesting things they can do over the weekend or the best spots to take guests.
Jogging my brain cells
One of my little-known joys is playing Scrabble. Words are my 'thing,' and I love an afternoon or evening spent playing this wonderful game, surrounded by family or friends. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't share my passion, so it's a real treat when I get a game! I love that it gets the brain working - playing online is just not the same. It's definitely about participating for me, though others might say I'm a bit competitive.
Pulling off interior makeovers
My other passion is for home improvements. I've enjoyed buying and selling property over the years. I was lucky to be in my 20s at a time when property was so much cheaper and getting on the first rung of the property ladder was much easier. My mum offered me a small amount of money that she had saved for my wedding. It was either/or, so that was my deposit for my first home - a small one-bedroom flat in Tooting, Southwest London. With full-time day jobs, we spent our evenings in overalls, sleeves rolled up, and with power tools or paintbrushes in hand. It was an intense but rewarding few years. Moving to Dubai allowed us a welcome break and I'm currently happy to stick to reading magazines like Livingetc and carrying out easy home makeovers or simple changes to my place.
- Staff reporter

• UAE
• Dubai