Your plans of achieving a work-life balance may be too fantastic to be true. Here are some realistic tips
Our fathers and grandfathers probably never knew about the term 'work-life balance'. Ever since the sultans of HR have coined the term, the overstressed and over-employed few have started making fantastic plans to 'sort out their lives'. However, not all of the plans – made mostly during a new year or on long weekends – materialise once the grind begins.
It's a proven fact that increased control of your time enables you to perform better. But, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving the best of both worlds. Here are tips to get a life outside office, practically...
CHANGE IS NEGOTIABLE
If you like your current job but need more flexibility, try to negotiate a compressed workweek, a part-time position or job-sharing opportunities. Tell your boss how modifying your current work situation will increase your efficiency and productivity. Also research if your employer already has policies in place that can be adapted to fit your particular case.
EXPLORE ALTERNATE OPTIONS
Your option of 'taking a holiday at Andamans' every year may never work out. Also, you just thought your career's simply more demanding for all this, didn't you? If you're thinking long term, it's okay, but if you have no real career path in mind and still are sacrificing family life, better start thinking. Consider pursuing a less stressful and more flexible job. It is important to know that in return for a family life, it's sometimes worth to give up a higher salary or greater responsibilities.
SLOW DOWN
Stop and enjoy the activities and people around you, both inside and outside the office. Whenever possible, schedule time between meetings and leave your evenings free so you can refuel throughout and at the end of each day. Even a walk on an empty street in the evening, and a roadside snack can up your spirits. (Ideally, get wet and munch on some bhutta!) Distancing yourself from workrelated activities will give you time to recharge so you're more alert and productive when Monday rolls in.
SIMPLIFY
It's human nature to try to accomplish too much in too little time. Identify ways to simplify your life. For example, an organised work area will save you time sorting through papers and allow you to work more efficiently. Or perhaps you are juggling too many social commitments outside of work. Try to focus on those that are most meaningful to you.
CHART GOALS
Take charge and develop a prioritised list of tasks that must be accomplished each day. You'll not only enjoy the satisfaction of crossing off tasks as they are completed but also avoid feeling overwhelmed. In addition, be sure to set aside time for unforeseen events. Having a contingency plan for emergencies will enable you to continue with business as usual in the midst of a crisis.
DIVIDE AND RULE
Just because you're a heavy worker, your boss may be allotting you more and more work till you reach burnout. No matter how efficient you are, you need to make sure you are delegating appropriately instead of trying to do everything yourself. Doing so will reduce your workload and help your staff build their skills.
BALANCE IS A MOVING TARGET
Once you've succeeded in getting high on life outside office, remember that this space should only increase as you grow older in your life. Also, if you've received a promotion at work, consider skipping previously scheduled social functions to adjust to your new role. Similarly, if you add a personal activity to your agenda, you may need to lighten your load at work.
No matter how hectic your line of work is, it's possible to achieve your professional goals without sacrificing your personal life. Your success in both areas depends largely on your ability to define a balance that works best for you.
