Let me ask you a question: Which do you think is more important, career or life?
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.
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.
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.
