We were told by our elders that our generation could truly have it all. And it is true, we can! But oftentimes, there may be something that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. While working more hours at the office, you may have noticed that your family time has suffered. Or maybe you’ve been doubling up on family commitments, and you’ve noticed that your work in the office is slacking. Something truly has to give. But believe me, as a YBP who juggles both a family and a career, it can be done.
Here are 8 tips for juggling both of your worlds and remaining sane while doing so:
Schedule Accordingly
A good schedule goes a long way. And I am not just talking about in the office. Just as you schedule time in the office for meetings, deadlines, conference calls and the like, try to use the same practice in your personal life. Set up blocks of time to spend with your loved ones and do not let anything (other than a true emergency) interrupt that time. Use your smartphone to keep track of your schedule and coordinate it with your work calendar.
Delegate
You cannot do everything on your own at work. There are times when you must delegate in order to keep yourself from being too stressed out. Delegate work that can be done by others in the office and unless there is a problem, try not to micro-manage the duties you give to others. By relinquishing some of your work to trusted staff, it can allow you some breathing room and less stress in the office.
Turn Off the Smartphone
We all need to unplug from the Matrix that is work and the Internet. Choose a time nightly to shut down and unplug, and do not violate that unless there is an urgent matter that needs your attention. Use this time to refocus, plan, and clear your mind for the next day. You will be more clearer, thus benefitting your work in the office and your relationships at home. Get Your Success Now shares several reasons why you should turn off your wireless device.
Talk It Out
When there are pressing matters at work and you have to work longer than normal hours, communicate with your loved ones and let them know. Use text messages and emails in order to keep the lines of communication open and to let them know that you are thinking of them. You may not be at home but knowing that they are on your mind can make it so much easier when you return.
Limit Phone Calls at Work
Do not let your family or loved ones take over your extension at work. Limit their phone calls to emergencies only to keep them from abusing your phone at the office. And only accept phone calls from your loved ones when a true emergency arises. This will keep you productive while on the job. Also, limit your personal phone calls while in the office as well. The more you finish at work, the more time you can enjoy when you get home.
Do Not Take On Too Much
I was guilty of doing this for years. Not wanting to be the employee that said no, I often said yes to projects even when I knew I already had too much on my plate. Being honest and saying no when you have enough going on is the way to make sure you still have a life when you leave work. Be honest and up front with your job if you cannot complete a task or do not have the time to.
Know Your Boundaries
It is easy to take work home with you and before you know it, it can be a pattern. Your family deserves your attention. Limit the number of hours you work at home, and when you have work to complete at home, give yourself a time limit. Let loved ones know what the time limit is so they can keep you honest. They want to spend time with you as well.
Know If You Are Stressed
Know the warning signs of being stressed, and if you are feeling the pressure, please consult a physician or a counselor who can help assess your symptoms and help you get back on the right track. The Mayo Clinic has a list of symptoms of stress as well as stress management techniques. Use this as a guideline but always consult a professional in terms of your health.
You can have the best of both worlds but as with all things, it takes trial, error, and a lot of practice. Put into use these 8 YBP tips and see how they work for you and the ones you love.
http://ybpguide.com/2010/08/13/friday-focus-8-tips-for-juggling-career-family/
