{"id":492,"date":"2009-10-08T17:08:00","date_gmt":"2009-10-08T22:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=492"},"modified":"2009-10-02T17:36:07","modified_gmt":"2009-10-02T22:36:07","slug":"ten-ways-of-finding-a-better-worklife-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=492","title":{"rendered":"Ten Ways of Finding a Better Work\/Life Balance"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you work outside of the home, you may bring work home or postpone activities with your family so you can work late. You know there has to be a better way. Consider trying one of these ten ways of better work\/life balance so you\u2019re not torn between the two.<\/p>\n

1. Prioritize what\u2019s important \u2013 Before you can have a more balanced life, you\u2019ll want to know what things are important and learn how to prioritize them. Focus on your family before work. Don\u2019t let your boss bully you into working late if you already have a family activity planned.<\/p>\n

2. Drop activities that are too much \u2013 Check your calendar to see what\u2019s upcoming. To free up time, drop any activities that make your schedule too busy or that aren\u2019t necessary. Try to limit activities to only one for each child.<\/p>\n

3. Learn to say \u201cno\u201d \u2013 Remember it\u2019s alright to say no if your boss asks you to stay late. If they offer you overtime work, tell them thank you but you have plans you can\u2019t break it. Ask them if you can work overtime on another date.<\/p>\n

4. Plan for the future \u2013 Take time to get away for a day or weekend to plan, dream, or just relax. Give yourself an opportunity to look forward to what the future can hold when your work and life are more balanced.<\/p>\n

5. Reduce clutter \u2013 Try to clean your desk off completely before leaving work on Friday. Put all important dates on a centralized calendar and get rid of the papers. Organize your office and home as well as reduce clutter to give you more time to do things you want.<\/p>\n

6. Plan time for yourself \u2013 Don\u2019t neglect yourself while focusing on work and family. Taking time out for yourself will help you be a better parent, a better partner, and a better employee.<\/p>\n

7. Get help when needed \u2013 Don\u2019t be afraid to get help when needed. Hire a babysitter or ask grandparents to take the children while you\u2019re working. Do you work from home? Find a virtual assistant or hire someone to do work for you while you attend to family needs.<\/p>\n

8. Know your limits \u2013 There\u2019s no such person as Superman or Superwoman. You\u2019re not able to do everything without something having to give; most of the time the thing that gives is your health.<\/p>\n

9. Plan for balance \u2013 Unexpected things may happen, but if you put time for you to enjoy a hobby or spend time goofing off with your children on your calendar and guard that time, you\u2019re more likely to actually make those plans possible.<\/p>\n

10. Ask your employer about flex time. Some employers offer flex time where you work overtime without pay so you can take time off at a future date. It can\u2019t hurt to ask your employer about this. The worse they can do is tell you it\u2019s not available.<\/p>\n

These ten ways of better work\/life balance are a few of the many changes to consider if you\u2019re working too much. You may feel the need to work but there\u2019s no reason it should take over your life. Using one or more of these ideas may help you get your priorities in order and give you more time to spend with your family.<\/p>\n

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