Improving your work/life balance for 2017

First, ask yourself how many times you had a conversation about work over the holiday season; second, think about what that conversation centered around. I’d put money on work/life balance being at the core. Read on to find out how to improve your work/life balance over the course of this year, and you’ll not only avoid that feeling next Christmas, but you’ll have a much more fulfilled year too (believe us, your kids and other half will thank you for it!).

Look at the big picture

This one’s tricky – is it your job that’s the problem, or it is you that needs to change?

I know I can be guilty of working too much, that’s just because I love my job though!

What if the job requires long hours?

If the job requires that you work 12 hours a day and there’s no wiggle room, put simply, it’s the job that’s the problem. That doesn’t mean you can’t change things – if you really want a work/life balance then it’s time to bite the bullet and start looking for another job.

In the majority of cases the employee has much more power than they think in these situations – you have the potential to change things and it’s down to you to regain a balance.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? I know it can be difficult to regain a balance, especially when things are busy at work. Here’s your step-by-step plan of action to a more balanced 2017.

Picture your ideal

This is key and getting it wrong will set you up for failure. Becoming a professional ballroom dancer whilst going to the gym 5 times a week and reading 3 books a week – never going to happen.

Manageable goals are attainable; a few ideas to get you started:

1.      Be home in time for dinner every day

2.      Take a holiday without checking emails

Make a plan to get there

Figuring out how to achieve your balance goals may be simple as getting into a routine of shutting down your computer at 5.30pm every day. Some goals might be more awkward – limiting travel is a good example here; talk to your Manager about this, there is often a bit of wiggle room with who goes on work trips, there may even be someone else in the office who’s asked for additional travel. In that case it’s a win, win!

Basics to get you started:

1.      Set limits – that means not checking work email constantly anymore

2.      Be more productive at work – e.g. no more social media at work

3.      Say no more often – choosing to say no to opportunities that won’t truly benefit your life, get into the habit of really thinking about decisions before saying yes

Keep it consistent

Consistency is key, and you’ll find that the first few weeks of working to regain a work/life balance are the most difficult. After that the people around you will get into a routine, just as you will, and you’ll find that your ‘normal’ working life will become much more productive, happy and balanced.

Looking for further Career advice then please get in touch with our Career Professionals at CV Aberdeen at www.cvaberdeen.com.