Often people who venture into a business or join the employment force feel like they hardly have any time left for themselves and the things that they love at the end of the day. After all “you cannot have your cake and eat it too,” right? However, that is one of the greatest hoaxes of all time as it is definitely possible to put one’s best foot forward for their work and at the same time maintain their personal life.
It depends entirely on the intention of the individual to strike a proper work-life balance in countries where the law gives them the discretion to do so. There are certain points that individuals ought to analyze and implement in order to achieve this goal.
● Acknowledging That There is a Problem
The first step to having a solid work-life balance is to first recognize and accept that there is a problem. Often loved ones - friends, family, and especially children and pets, tend to be the first ones to notice and be affected by the unavailability of an individual, which might make them feel unwanted and neglected. One might get so trussed up in work that they might fail to notice that they are slowly losing the precious moments they could have shared with their loved ones, leading to conflicts, communication gaps, and misunderstandings. It is therefore essential for individuals to acknowledge the fact that they have a life outside of work which they should equally prioritize.
● Preparing a Schedule Taking into Account One’s Priorities
Time management and prioritization are key to a healthy work-life balance. One should have for themselves fixed working hours for one half of the day after which they would have to sign off and give to themselves and their personal life the other half. They should not be shy about being vocal about excusing themselves from work once in a while to meet unavoidable obligations. Similarly, it is not always possible to waver off work commitments. Hence there should be ample room for flexibility on both ends. In order to achieve such an ideal settlement, communication is the key.
● Setting Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Trying to make it big in life, especially when one owns a business and has begun venturing into their entrepreneurial journey, comes with a platter of sacrifices - greater work hours, lesser trips, and more all-nighters. However, there should be certain sacrifices where one has to draw the boundaries. It is important to therefore clearly convey what your deal-breakers as an entrepreneur or a working individual are, thereby setting a clarity about what people can expect from you and where you draw the line. If something is truly important, for example, being at one’s child’s performance or visiting a parent, they should not have to make a compromise.
● Taking on Just as Much as One Can Digest
This age-old saying applies perfectly in the modern-day working scenario where individuals, often driven by ambition and needs, tend to overwork themselves, which can lead to rapid burnout and fatigue and can cause individuals to neglect their personal life, taking a heavy toll on their mental and physical health. As a result, they suffer on both fronts. The best way to avoid this is to set reasonable daily goals for themselves in their work life and stick to them, instead of pushing themselves to the verge of their capabilities. It can not only prevent exhaustion but also increases efficiency as they get a chance to recharge and rejuvenate themselves before taking on a new project.
Work matters, but so does the health and happiness of an individual. Having a healthy work-life balance can ensure that they get the most out of their work without missing out on the other important aspects of life and it can go a long way in keeping healthy bonds and maintaining everlasting connections.
