The quest for the ideal work-life balance among career and business women is an ongoing dilemma and even more so for the woman in midlife (40+) who is often an accomplished professional/Business owner with many roles and responsibilities at work and in her personal life
A good recipe for success is to use time effectively, seek assistance, make the most of your resources, and cut out unnecessary pursuits that don't necessarily make you happy or add value to your life.
The critical significance of this balance is evident.. Women who don't strike the right balance risk tiredness, burnout, and threats to their physical and mental health. Work-life balance In midlife is a state of equilibrium where women over 40 equally prioritize the needs of their job and their personal life demands. Usually, one appears to struggle while the other prospers. Whilst it is not easy to strike a balance, it is possible.
The goal is more about being able to get things done in your professional life while still having time and energy to enjoy your personal life.
Here are various ways to change that work-life balance you can adapt to your particular circumstances. Consider these ideas:
- Do not waste time at work: You can avoid having to stay late or take your work home if you can get more done at work during normal business hours. An average office worker wastes the majority of her time. It's a wonder anything gets done between breaks, getting a drink, using the restroom, socializing, and surfing the internet. Make the most of your workday and you may be able to leave a little earlier each day to spend time with your family.
- Delegate responsibilities at work: Are you making the best use of your employees and coworkers? Some people can't seem to put their trust in others to do anything significant. You can accomplish more in a day if you make the most of your resources. Get the assistance you need.
- Delegate responsibilities at home: Are you, your spouse, and your children all sharing the responsibilities at home? The sooner you complete tasks, the sooner you will be able to spend quality time together. Is it possible to hire a house cleaner or someone to mow the lawn?
- Increase your productivity: It's not just about not wasting time; it's also about doing things wisely. Is there a better way to complete your daily tasks? Think, what could you do more effectively?
- Say "no" more frequently: You almost certainly have activities and obligations in your life that are entirely optional. Some of them are even unpleasant. Why are you wasting your time on these things? Consider not doing it if you don't have to. Learning to say "no" more frequently can help you keep these activities at bay.
- Maximize your commute time: Can you make some phone calls while you're driving? (safely of course) You might be able to improve your skills by listening to audiobooks. Perhaps you could carpool and do some real work while someone else drives?
- Make the most of your downtime: Make decisions as a family. This does not imply sitting in the same room and staring at a computer screen. Visit the park, . play a game. You'll need less time together if you make the most of the time you do have.
Remote Workers on Balancing Work and Life
I’m well aware the world of work has changed and many of us are not actually going into the office, hybrid-working or mainly working remotely
For any employee, balancing work and personal obligations especially if you share an office with your place of residence can be quite tricky. How do you divide your time between your personal and work obligations? When you're surrounded by dirty laundry, how can you concentrate on conference calls?
Whether you are new to remote working or have been out of the office for some time you can use these tips to stay relaxed and productive while working from home.
Steps You Can Take Alone:
- Adhere to a schedule: Decide on an hour to begin and conclude your day. When you're at your best, take on your most difficult assignments. Leave your job behind when it's time to leave for the day.
- Create a workspace: A separate area should be set aside for business. It can be your dining room's corner or the entire space. Decorate your environment with images, works of art, and other things that make you feel inspired and uplifted.
- Alter your attire: Even though you might not want to dress professionally, getting out of your pyjamas will make you feel more put together. Every morning, hang up your bathrobe before getting ready.
- Avoid being distracted: Do you squander time browsing social media or watching TV? During business hours, only engage in recreational activities during breaks.
- Take rest periods: Take breaks! If you periodically rejuvenate your body and mind, your productivity will increase.
- Wind down: Make an effort to get into an off-duty frame of mind each day by doing something at the end of the day. Take a walk in the park or listen to some classical music, for example.
- Organize yourself: Establish procedures and practices that promote efficiency. For your office materials, get a cabinet. Set aside time on an online calendar.
- Never stop learning: Whether you work from your dining room table or a corner office, career growth is important. Order a catalog for an area university's adult education program or enroll in a course online.
- Consider how you performed: Make your own assessments on your work. Find ways to improve output, cut down on time, and reduce stress. As your objectives change, adjust your plan.
With your family, friends, and coworkers, do the following steps:
- Speak with your boss: When you and your boss agree on the general expectations, it will be simpler to maintain a healthy balance in your life. Strike a deal to get the flexibility you require.
- Post your hours online: Make sure your boss and coworkers are aware of your availability times. Discuss plans for what to do in case of crises outside of certain hours.
- Take a lunch break: Lunch break is a daily opportunity to keep going as you work from home. Plan a weekly meeting at a nearby café to catch up with coworkers or other remote workers.
- Remain visible: Make networking activities like business lunches and other gatherings a part of your plan. Attend staff meetings, birthday celebrations, and other events often at the office. Participate in volunteer work at your professional association's local chapter.
- Get on a team: A strong support system enables you to increase your confidence and your level of achievement. You can get the emotional support and practical help you need by asking your family and friends. Tell them how much you value them and offer to help out when necessary.
When you stop commuting, you don't have to sacrifice your sense of balance in life. Set reasonable limits between your personal and professional pursuits to improve your health and happiness
Following these steps may aid you in achieving an equal balance in your work and life activities. Take these steps cautiously and track your progress as you go.
I hope you have found the above tips helpful; I also have a checklist here to help you achieve that elusive work life balance. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject and the tips shared so please share those with me here or send me a message
To your wellbeing Bukky