Struggling to balance work and life in electrical engineering?

Clear personal goals in terms of how much personal time you want to have every month/week need to be set. From there utilization of scheduling and time management techniques should be utilized to optimize your time. Having structure and displine in your life be it in work or personal would actually result in you having more time. As Jocko Willink says: discipline equals freedom.

In the context of electrical engineering, "Know Thyself" means recognizing your unique productivity patterns, work habits, and limitations. It involves identifying the tasks that energize you and those that drain your energy, as well as being honest about your available work hours and capacity. By doing so, you'll be able to allocate your time and resources more effectively, prioritize tasks that align with your strengths, and delegate or defer tasks that fall outside your expertise or availability.

Through various challenges, I've noticed that setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks dramatically helps. Make time for yourself; your productivity at work improves when your life outside is balanced.

having a balance between the work and life is essential to whomever person , therefore, you must need to set your goals as professional and personal, since, in case that you work a lot, and you don't do other things, you would burn out, when it's happened you feel bad and you lose the motivation, therefore, define what kind of things you want to do it, establish limits, try to use your time in the best way, also take care your health.

Como en cualquier actividad a veces es difícil compatibilizar el trabajo con la dedicación a la familia. Si estás encargado en poner en servicio la parte eléctrica de una Central Nuclear con la responsabilidad que contraes, no es lo mismo que poner un Centro de Transfornacion en marcha. Por eso hay que distinguir la responsabilidad del trabajo. Si conectas una subestacion o un parque eólico a la red, no es la misma responsabilidad que si pones en marcha o reparas una Subestacion cuyo funcionamiento o no puede dejar sin suministro a una población de miles de habitantes. En resumen el trabajo que implica responsabilidad hace que la dedicación a la familia sea menor o mayor. Pero eso es aplicable a la medicina , a la policía o a los bomberos.

From a scientific perspective, research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience has shown that our brains have a limited capacity for mental bandwidth. When we're constantly switching between work and personal tasks, we're exhausting our mental resources, leading to decreased productivity, increased stress, and a higher likelihood of burnout. By planning ahead, you can create a mental framework that allows you to compartmentalize your tasks, focus on the present moment, and make the most of your time.

However, remember to allocate time for your well-being and relationships. This self-awareness will serve as a compass when deciding how to spend your time.

From a scientific perspective, research has consistently shown that the human brain can only sustain focus for approximately 90-120 minutes before productivity and cognitive function begin to decline. This is due to the brain's natural ultradian rhythms, which dictate the need for rest and relaxation to recharge and refocus. By setting boundaries, electrical engineers can prioritize regular breaks, ensuring they're working at optimal levels while also allowing for sufficient downtime to recharge.

By doing this, you can ensure that you're not always on call for work and that you have dedicated time slots for relaxation and family, which are just as crucial for your overall productivity and happiness.

From a psychological perspective, flexibility is linked to emotional regulation, which is Important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When we're able to adapt to changing situations, we're better equipped to manage our emotions and respond to challenges in a more constructive manner (2). This, in turn, can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved relationships, and enhanced overall well-being. Furthermore, flexibility can also facilitate learning and professional growth, as it allows electrical engineers to explore new areas of interest, develop new skills, and stay up-to-date with industry advancements.

building a strong support network of family and friends can provide emotional backing, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Moreover, colleagues and peers can offer valuable advice, guidance, and mentorship, which can be particularly helpful in navigating the demands of electrical engineering projects. Furthermore, seeking support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, can provide a safe and confidential outlet for addressing work-related stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.

From a scientific perspective, when we neglect our physical and mental health, it can lead to a decline in cognitive function, attention span, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are essential skills for electrical engineers. Chronic stress, a common byproduct of an unbalanced lifestyle, can alter the structure and function of the brain, disrupting the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, planning, and impulse control. This, in turn, can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and a higher risk of burnout.