Home > Personal Issues > Finding a Work-Life Balance

Finding a Work-Life Balance

By: Emma Jones - Updated: 4 Sep 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Work-life Balance Work Life Balance

Work-life balance is a bit of a buzz phrase at the moment, but one that is very important to everybody’s life. It can be difficult to strike that balance or even know exactly how you want it to be. However, once you try to achieve it, you will find your stress levels fall, you work better and are a nicer person to be around. Finding work-life balance is not a magic cure but an ongoing process that will shift as your life changes.

What Are Your Priorities?

Depending what stage of your life you are in you will have different priorities. As a young person you may want to work hard at your career but still have time for a social life. If you have children, you will probably want to spend more time with them. Finding your own work and life balance starts with knowing what it is you want to achieve. Having a clear goal in mind will help focus your efforts.

Have Hobbies

Saying you are going to go out for dinner with your friends is a great idea but often something that is easy to put off or get out of. If you have fixed hobbies, such as a weekly dance class or play rehearsals, you will have more commitment. By fixing this schedule you will be more motivated to get your work done and go home.

Work Smartly

Most people find it difficult to achieve a work-life balance because they have too much work to do. You need to think about how you could handle your workload better so you can get things done quicker. Look at your processes and if you could be more efficient. Try to multi-task or be better at prioritising. Don’t feel that you need to do everything and be willing to delegate work to others.

Make Small Changes

Deciding to overhaul your work and life balance can seem like a huge task, so just take it step by step. Pick a small thing that you can change, such as committing to getting out of work on time once a week. Once you have managed to do this on a regular basis you will see that it is possible and be able to aim towards something bigger. A work-life balance needs to be achieved over time at a sustainable pace.

Talk To Your Boss

If your work is getting on top of you and you can’t see a way to achieve a work-life balance, you need to talk to you boss. Explain your commitment and give examples of what you do. Let them know that the Stress is making it difficult to keep up and that you could do with some help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and it can be good to offer some practical solutions.

What About Part-time work?

For some people, working part-time can be a perfect way to spend more time with family or pursue hobbies. While many would love to cut their hours, finances often prohibit it. Read our article Can You Afford To Go Part-Time to see if this is a option for you.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Why not be the first to leave a comment for discussion, ask for advice or share your story...

If you'd like to ask a question one of our experts (workload permitting) or a helpful reader hopefully can help you... We also love comments and interesting stories

Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • Rich
    Re: Working with Animals
    Good Morning. I am 55 years old and have been working in social care for the last 12 years. I have always loved animals and have a high…
    25 February 2024
  • Alpha
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I love this content, it was helpful, check this out also.
    31 January 2024
  • Angelina
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I'm 31 years old and have a disability I'm looking for work experience either in a nursery or as a receptionist at a…
    8 October 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi i am looking for work experience in account assistant position. Thank you
    26 September 2023
  • Nimmi
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    Hi I am looking for work experience in account assistant as I am having Acca and BA degree qualifications. I am available…
    26 September 2023
  • Shaz
    Re: How to Become an Insurance Broker
    Hi We would like to start private hire insurance business. I need more information about this. Can you please contact me…
    19 September 2023
  • Bron
    Re: Finding Work Experience as an Adult
    would like some help or advice on how to gain more experience that will help me get back into work
    16 June 2023
  • Rob
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    Hi. I'm 57 and have been working at a dealership for just 4 months. I love cars and would be an honour to be able to service or repair them!…
    28 April 2023
  • clarkey
    Re: Becoming a Mechanic
    I have just started back at college on my final year. I am on level 3 Motor vehicle and I am a 57 year old woman. You are never too old. Go…
    22 September 2022
  • Philipsmac
    Re: Becoming a Carer
    I live in Lagos Nigeria. I would like to register for social care training program. After graduation, does the certificate qualify me to migrate…
    13 September 2022