Your career is important, but your family, friends, and interests are important too. So, how can you keep your job from overshadowing everything else? Use these tips to take control of your work/life balance.
Admit Perfect Balance Doesn’t Exist
Although most like the idea of a perfect work/life split, reality can be much different. One week, you may find yourself logging countless hours of overtime to hit a deadline. And another week, you may take several days off to handle a family or personal issue. If you’re having an unusually hectic spell, you may be quick to declare your work/life balance a disaster. That’s why it’s important to reflect on long as well as short-term trends.
Rank Your Priorities
The ideal work/life balance looks different to different people. To figure out your best-case scenario, write down your top five priorities. There are no right answers, and your list is likely to change over time. For example, if you just took a new job you may be eager to put in the extra hours to get ahead. Whereas, if you have young children, you may want to work less so you can spend more time with your family. Realize your priorities may tip the scale in one direction or the other. However, when you have identified what is most important to you, you’ll be in a better position to choose and control any imbalances.
Don’t Be a Workplace Martyr
You don’t have to check your email 24/7. You don’t have to say, “Yes” to every project. And, you don’t have to show up even when you’re sick. Understand the difference between being a dedicated employee and overdoing it. Ultimately, being a workplace martyr isn’t good for your health, your relationships or your career.
Evaluate Your Productivity
If you find yourself staying late night after night, ask yourself why. Do you genuinely have too much to do? Or, do you need to work smarter? Start by tracking how you spend your days. Where are you wasting time? What could you do to become more efficient? Also, keep in mind, common habits like multitasking and constantly checking your email make you less, not more, productive.
Consider Switching Jobs
Sometimes, even the best of us get stuck in the wrong place. Maybe your boss has completely unrealistic expectations? Or, maybe your current position doesn’t line up with your personal priorities? Whatever the reason, a poor fit can wreak havoc with your work/life balance. Recognize the signs that you may need a new job and begin your employment search sooner rather than later.
Would You Like to Take Control of Your Work/Life Balance by Finding a New Opportunity?
If you’re ready to look for a new job but you’re not sure where to start, the expert recruiters at Connectology are here for you. We place manufacturing professionals in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and throughout the upper Midwest. Browse our available openings and discover your next career move today!
