Today is Friday. Already I’m seeing people write, blog and tweet: Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF). I’m all for celebrating the weekend…but it’s not the weekend yet. On Monday I discussed how we lament the start of a new week. By Friday we are tuned into the idea that the week is just about over. To achieve work-life balance, we must give our attention to the task at hand. If I give 100% at work, while I’m at work, I can go home with a clear mind. This will allow me to enjoy my time away from work, rather than dread what awaits upon my return.
- What would your work be like if you gave today, Friday, 100% of your attention?
- What would your weekend be like if you started it by knowing you gave work your undivided attention while you were there?
- What would your weekend be like if you completely disconnected from work?
- What’s stopping you?
I was recently talking with a friend who mentioned that she was feeling burned out at work. She discussed the long hours: her schedule is 7am-3pm, yet she usually arrives at 6:30am and does not leave until after 5:00pm every day. She also lives in a large city with a one hour commute. In addition, she is “on call” every evening. No wonder she’s feeling overwhelmed!
I asked her what would happen if she left on time. She had a list of reasons why this would be impossible and some were quite valid. I then asked her how long she could keep going at this pace, and if her productivity at work was suffering. She sounded defeated. The pace was impacting both the quality of her professional and personal life. After venting, she was looking for guidance. I suggested that she leave on time every Wednesday…no matter what. There was a lift in her spirit, but she immediately countered that this plan would have to wait two weeks, because it would be impossible this upcoming Wednesday. Really, impossible? I challenged her. I stated that if she did not put this plan in place, and stick to it no matter what, she would be back to the long hours and feelings of defeat. She agreed.
Next Wednesday she will leave on time…no matter what. This will be a challenge. But to achieve work-life balance, she must be committed and determined to take this challenge seriously. She stated that this would allow her to focus at work (increase productivity), and have more time at home (salvage her sanity!). By the end of the conversation, her defeated tone changed to excitement and optimism.
“While all aspects of our life are important, without a balance, you become addicted and like all addictions you lose.”
Catherine Pulsifer, from Balance of Life
Give today your focus while at work. When you go home, leave work behind. Allow yourself to embrace the moment…it’s all that you are promised.
“It’s not the time you put in, but what you put in the time.” Burg’s Philosophy
Another resource for achieving work-life balance can be found in Business Week articles and blogs (work-life balance). I encourage you to check them out and see what you can incorporate to help gain perspective and balance.
Please share ideas that have helped you achieve work-life balance! We would love to hear them, and your ideas may be the guidance someone needs to have a more well-rounded, enjoyable life.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have never really had a problem with the work-life balance. I do love what I do at work. I am a college professor. With the pressures of class preparation and the pressure to publish, it is easy to always be working both at the office and at home. I have chosen not to fall into this trap. As a working mom, I have known for a long time where my priorities lie. My family has always come first…Now there is some adjustment since I’m an empty nester, that’s for sure. I still feel, however, that we must take care of ourselves and the people we value. I know and believe that we are all replacable at work. I have never allowed myself to forget this. Now, granted….my career and productivity has suffered as a result of this belief and my behavior. But, that has been my choice…I was raised by a workaholic father who died at age 60…never home for his kids…always preoccupied with work when at home. Don’t fall into that trap!
I sometimes struggle with work/life balance because I work 2 jobs and I always feel exhausted. I also work 6 days a week most of the time. My boss seems to think that 6 days a week is no big deal and we shoudl all be pushed to work and “sell”. So–I work 6 days and get paid for 5 and never complain. Luckily I do enjoy my job-but I also enjoy my free time. I make a point of leaving “work” at work. I rarley talk about my day at home. By the time I get home–I am sooo over “work”. I work 2 jobs to pay all the bills and not be stressed. I know this will have to stop soon or I will get burnt out and become unhappy. So–for now..I chug along, pay the bills and try to enjoy my Sundays off. I do a craft at home so I can be a bum and juts relax in my home without any effort. Now I sound “old”. I guess I do struggle a bit with teh balance. But how do you balance a schedule that pays the bills?
Jamie…it sounds like you are doing a really good job with the balance. First, you know that it’s an issue.You also make sure that you try to separate work from home and have hobbies, etc….I know someone who works in a really stressful place and puts in long hours. When he comes home, he washes his hands…It’s a little ritual that lets him say…the work is done, I’m home now.
Sheri K. Raymond
Very good article..I had the same prob since i travel far to work & i’m constantly am stuck in traffic so i tend to procrastinate getting in my car altogether which makes me drive like a crazy woman. I say “DID” because i’m making the plan to get up earlier to “allow” for traffic and cut my stess level in half. Sometimes having a plan w/ a “it CAN be done attitude” is all a person needs to hear. Thanks Jenny..
Sat at 11:40am ·
Excellent points and concerns made by Jennifer, Jamie and Sheri. I’ve also received quite a few emails. Because of the overwhelming response, I am going to do some research and write a follow-up blog. I appreciate everyone that took the time to comment on the site and to send emails asking for more information. This is clearly a hot topic that must be further explored. Thank you! Jen
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