This
question is very tricky because both has its own advantages. Some says
that career is more important because without a job, “life” cannot be
supported. On the other hand, others say that life, which encompasses
health, leisure, and time with loved ones, can never be outweighed by
money. This question indeed gives us a headache.
Yes,
it is quite a tough decision. Particularly nowadays, work tends to
overrun and conquer your personal life. Building a career is very
crucial when you’re self-supporting, most especially when you have
others depending on your earnings. But is it really worth it? Can an
average salary support your expenses, compensate the lost time with your
family, and counterbalance the health hazards?
If
you can confidently tell me right now that you can manage your time
wisely by balancing your career with your personal life, good for you.
You’re one in a million, and I salute you. Balancing both pursuits is a
big challenge to most of us. It’s not an easy task to deal with because
it is a never-ending cycle of exhaustion, melancholy, and sometimes,
regret.
So
if you think you are one of those workaholics who disregard the term
“personal life” in your vocabulary, then you’re throwing your life into
the wasteland. It’s as if you’re only existing, but not living. As we
always say, life is short,
so live it to the fullest! It’s okay to work hard, and all the more, to
have fun. You just have to balance the two and make everyday
worthwhile. We’ll be giving you tips on how to find your way to a
work-life balance. Remember that you have the right to enjoy your life,
but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to slack and quit your job. You
don’t have to sacrifice the other in order to get pleasure from the
other. We’ll tell you how!
- Wake up early. Wake up at least 2 hours before your call time, depending on your office location. Take time to sit and have breakfast with your family and have a quick exercise if you have time. This will relax you before going to work and this will give you the energy you will be needing throughout the day. Cramming every morning is very stressful.
- Create a schedule and stick with it. Before your day starts, jot down the things you have to do - tasks at work, errands, meetings, etc. Provide a checklist and note your accomplishments for the day.
- Delegate and learn to say “no” sometimes. You don’t have to do everything! Trust your co-employees or subordinates, guide them, and divide the work among yourselves. Exercise teamwork within the workplace! Also, don’t try to be a martyr. Do your own tasks first before volunteering to do others’ chores. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if needed.
- Stop wasting time gossiping. Talking about your co-workers flaws is just waste of time! Instead of backstabbing, do something productive like cleaning your desk, scheduling, or taking a rest by having a short nap or doing stretches.
- Never go idle at work. Let’s say you’ve finished all your tasks for the day. Don’t just sit there doing nothing! Try to start working on the important (but not that urgent) projects so you don’t have to cram when you are about to approach the deadline. Make use of your free time wisely.
- Don’t go overtime. Finishing all your tasks within the 8-hour work time means you’re efficient in your job. It’s okay to be a workaholic within your work hours, but as much as possible, don’t let yourself suffer by seeing your co-workers leave one by one.
- Don’t bring work at home! This is a major no no. You spend more than 8 hours working. It’s time to give yourself a break! Do your best to finish everything in the office so you could relax when you get home.
- Schedule a “me” time. Go to a salon, a movie, or go shopping! After a long, stressful day, you deserve to be pampered. Give yourself time to relax and have fun!
- Spend time with family and friends. Aside from having your personal time, it is recommended to spend some of your free time with your loved ones. Catch up with them by having dinner after work, or maybe have a quick get-together at a nearby coffee shop.
- Set your own standards. Create your own scheduling and unique ways of completing your tasks and errands at home. It would make you more comfortable if you, yourself, were the one who established how to manage your time and perform your duties.
- Reevaluate your priorities. If you are just about to pursue a professional career, you consider this very important, so you’ll work really hard. Your priority at this point is making an impression, boosting your career, and aiming for a big promotion. But once you’re married and have children, your priorities will surely shift. You’ll find yourself rethinking about going overtime; instead, you’re always looking forward to going home for dinner and spend the night with your family.
