What do you do if your work in R&D is consuming your personal life?

Be it any profession, balance is must. Prioritizing things, setting clear goals, making to do list is important. Imbalance comes when we don't realize the importance of what we are doing. The moment you start working on something, one should always think about 1. Why, What & then how and when ? Mismatch of above set of events leads to imbalance. When you are starting particular work finish it first and then jump to the next task. If something important comes in between which needs your utmost attention, set target timeline of the task you are already doing. 2. Saying "No" at times to the task, meeting, appointment which you think will not add any value/concern from your side. It saves lot of energy & productive time which can be utilized.

Working in R&D since 40+ years, I had to learn to integrate work and personal life as two essential parts of my whole life, which are both very important for me, it’s not either or the one or the other, it’s more to be satisfied with both parts. I don’t limit the work time to certain hours or parts of the day, it’s done when I feel it’s the right time, early morning my brain is very clear, so that’s the best time for creative work, evening ours are best for routine work etc. I enjoy being independent and being able to decide on the timing of my work, now with lots of home office options many more people in R&D can better regulate the time, when they do which work.

Keeping a log for one or two weeks is a great advice but make sure to also log the individual activities that you do during your work and personal life. This will help you find patterns that you can change and the analysis will help the research you to start working ln the problem.

I don’t agree with the approach to work only defined hours, switch off emails or the mobile after those times, this is much to bureaucratic and formal and kills R&D creativity. If you dislike or hate your job, you might do it, but better find a job which you like and where you are happy to think about certain issues also when you wake up or go to sleep, let R&D become an essential part of you and your life and not a burden!

1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life and stick to them. 2. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and focus on completing them first. 3. Delegate: Consider delegating tasks to other team members or seeking help when needed. 4. Take breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. 5. Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support and advice. 6. Time management: Practice good time management skills to ensure that you are using your time effectively and efficiently.

Reflecting on the topic of Setting Boundaries in R&D, I believe it’s crucial to establish a clear demarcation between work and personal life. Drawing from my experience, I’ve observed that professionals who set specific work hours and adhere to them tend to have a more balanced lifestyle. For instance, one researcher I know implemented a strict policy of no work-related communications after 7 PM. This not only improved their personal relationships but also enhanced their focus and productivity during designated work times. It’s a testament to the fact that boundaries are not just beneficial for personal well-being but are also conducive to professional efficiency.

As a researcher I find that it helps to reflect in a scientific manner. You can form a hypothesis and test it even if it is about your personal well-being.

Reflect on your happiness first and how to improve it, happiness in your personal and working life, adjust to improve happiness in both parts in the same way, as they belong to you and both require attention regularly

You have to make a choice. It's silly to sacrifice your personal life for the sake of your work. What's the point in professional success, if you can't share it with those who care for you? If you can't strike the right balance between your job and your personal life, then you need to consider another job. Otherwise, you will end up as a workaholic, and permanently damage your relationships and your health. I had an R&D client who was also my personal friend. He was a workaholic and an insomniac. I had to break my relationship with him, because he simply could not switch off, and he expected me to work the way he did. I haven't spoken to him in a decade. Work is merely a part of your life. It's not the heart of your life.