How Can Parents Returning to Work Find Balance?

One of the first issues that arises when returning to work after children is the matter of work/life balance. It can be hard to achieve even without the extra demands that come with little ones and managing a household. But don’t despair! There are steps you can take to help with the transition and to maintain sanity:

1)     Mindset shift

Be prepared for a fresh mindset that is in line with a new “normal”. Having less time for yourself or with your little one can be extremely difficult at first, but just being ready to acknowledge, accept and commit to change will produce far more positive results than resisting it or trying to force things.

2)     Plan ahead

Keep a centralised diary (electronic or even on the fridge). Running family and business is a team effort, so knowing who is picking up who at what time eases stress in the home.

Doing things like trying to get ahead of administration work and accruing personal days can help when the unexpected pops up – which it will! If you map out a plan and things start to go off course, assess the situation and be prepared to change your plans accordingly.

3)     Be clear about what you want

Set and document goals around your life. You don’t have to go overboard, but having defined career, family, financial, personal, physical and spiritual goals can really help identify a clear direction at a time when chaos can reign. It will also help ensure you’re giving attention to all facets of your life and not placing too much focus on one area.

4) Don’t Balance – Integrate!

Balance is a misnomer – Aim for an INTEGRATED life! The goal is not to have a work me, home me, friend me. There is one you that invests time and energy in different areas.

For example in career, ask yourself “is this an authentic expression of who I am?” If your strengths, interests, motivation and purpose all align, career will integrate comfortably into your life. If not, maintaining a healthy balance will be a constant tension.

No matter how integrated your life is, returning to work can be overwhelming – especially if the role you’re going back to isn’t authentic to you. Email [email protected] for a free survey and we will help identify if your career is a good fit for you.