Tips for Balancing Work and Life in a Busy Job

I recently had a conversation with an individual who was looking for some advice about career pathing while having young children. Their question - "Do you think moving out of sales and into another role would provide better quality of life during a stage while I have young kids?" My response - "If the company doesn’t value or prioritize quality of life when you’re in a sales role, then it’s likely no other position there will either. It is up to you to set and enforce the boundaries you need to create a great work-life balance. Unfortunately, relying on others might not cut it (although there's hope for change in the future)." Even companies with the best of intentions often display actions and behaviors that are not overly supportive of working parents. So how do you figure out what job is best for you and set expectations accordingly? Here are some tips that I’ve lived and swear by: 1️⃣ Be upfront with the company you are interviewing with that work-life balance is important to you. There is a wrong and a right way to do this: ✖✖✖- "I never work weekends no matter what." ☑ ☑ ☑ - "While I will always ensure my work gets done and am available for urgent matters, I do find it really important and beneficial to be able to unplug on the weekends and after the work day to spend quality time with my family and friends. It really makes me deliver at a higher level and keeps me motivated and engaged." 2️⃣ Ask the company what they do or how they support working parents/promote work-life balance? Instead of asking about specifics let them tell you. This response will expose a lot about how they operate and structure the workplace. Are they offering paid family leave, flexible working hours, every other Friday is a half day, etc 3️⃣ Block off your calendar with times you are unavailable to create boundaries. Don’t be afraid to title the block of time with what you are actually doing. Some examples: ▪ When I was breastfeeding my daughter, I marked off specific parts of time on my calendar with this title - Breastfeeding/Pumping. I let everyone know that these were times that could not be changed or moved due to how milk supply works when breastfeeding.  ▪4 - 6 every day would be blocked off as “Daycare pickup and Family Time.” 4️⃣ Believe in yourself and know your outcomes will do the talking. These conversations and boundaries tend to be more nerve-racking than truly difficult. Educating your audience and setting expectations upfront will do wonders in fostering empathy and preventing any overstepping or asking. I want people to know what I’m doing, to grasp my intentions. Not because I need to justify it but how else can we help people learn and empathize if they don’t understand what we are doing? Any additional advice that’s worked? Comment below. We need all the help we can get. 👇 #workingparents #career #advice

As I sit here reflecting on my career journey, I'm reminded of a pivotal moment that forever changed the way I approached work-life balance. I glanced at the clock—4:30 pm. My colleagues were still immersed in their tasks, but I was already packing up. Why? Because I was determined to beat the traffic and be home in time for dinner with my family. 👨👩👧👦 Weekends? Those were sacred—reserved for family and recharging my spirit. 🌳 You might wonder, wasn't I worried this would impact my career or tarnish my reputation? The truth is, I wasn't. I knew I delivered results on time as required. 💼 My day started at the break of dawn, up at 5 am, and in the office by 6. By 9 am, crucial decisions were made, and my desk was clear of pending tasks. 🌅🕕 Breaks? Hardly. Working lunches became the norm. Each evening at home, I’d spend a focused 30 minutes preparing for the next day, ensuring I was in bed by 10 pm, ready to tackle the morning with a sharp mind and a rested body. 💤📋 You can have it all if you excel at what you do, set firm boundaries, and communicate what you will and won't do. 🗣️ I never shirked responsibilities, refused work, or let my team down. I simply found a way to get things done that honored both my career and personal life. 🏆 I don't just get work done. I get work done my way. 💯 How You Too Can Achieve Life-Work Balance: ➡️ Set clear boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them. ➡️ Communicate these boundaries with your team and family. ➡️ Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are highest. ➡️ Plan your day: Spend a few minutes each evening planning for the next day. It helps you stay organized and reduces stress. Actions you can take today: ➜ Identify your top 3 priorities for tomorrow: Write them down and tackle them first thing in the morning. ➜ Schedule a family activity: Make time for your loved ones this weekend and fully disconnect from work. ➜ Take a break: Use your vacation days. Rest and recharge to come back even more productive. If we haven't met: I'm Rudy Malle a clinical researcher, avid entrepreneur, podcaster, storyteller, and career adviser. Let's #connect! #CareerBalance #WorkLifeIntegration #ProductivityHacks #FamilyFirst #ProfessionalGrowth #ClinicalResearch #tgif #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #CareerAdvice #ConnectWithMe #MyWay

10 Tips for a Balanced Life In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to find the right balance between work, personal life, and self-care to prevent burnout. As someone who values fitness, family, and career, I'd like to share 10 strategies that have helped me maintain that balance. 1️⃣ Take Time Off: Regular breaks are essential to recharge your energy and creativity. Don't hesitate to use your vacation days! 2️⃣ Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and personal time. Respect those boundaries and encourage others to do the same. 3️⃣ Learn to Say NO: Sometimes, it's okay to decline additional responsibilities to protect your well-being. 4️⃣ Exercise Regularly: Physical activity isn't just for fitness enthusiasts like me; it's a powerful stress reliever. 5️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's camping, riding your four-wheelers, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. 6️⃣ Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition fuels both your body and mind. Choose foods that support your overall health. 7️⃣ Slow Down and Take Breaks: Don't forget to pause during your busy day. Short breaks can improve focus and productivity. 8️⃣ Switch Up Your Work Environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can boost your motivation and creativity. 9️⃣ Reward Yourself: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. It's a great way to stay motivated. 🔟 Create a Schedule that Fits Your Needs: Whenever possible, design a work schedule that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities. Remember, being the best version of ourselves, whether as a professional, partner, or parent, requires us to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. Feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments. Let's support each other on the journey to a fulfilling and balanced life! #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #ProfessionalDevelopment

I struggled with work/life balance throughout my career. This is because the world has set a clever, two-part trap for us. I will explain the trap and how to escape it. Part One – Our own goals and ambitions. I wanted to be successful, to get more pay, and to be a part of bigger decisions. If you follow me here, I bet you are the same. You want to “be the best” and have a great career. Part Two – Corporate pressure. Companies have a simple goal of making profits for shareholders. This is most easily done by getting more work from the same people. The Trap: The two parts converge to destroy work/life balance because our healthy desire to do good work, earn a living, and find meaning is easily manipulated by corporate systems designed to maximize profits. Here is how they do it: 1) Most companies give bigger raises to “better” performers. What is better? Usually, doing more work. Sometimes you can be “better” by being smarter or more efficient, but over time even the best of us usually work harder 2) Competition. Since raises and promotions are limited in number, there will always be someone else willing to put in very long hours to come out ahead of you. Some of you will recognize this as “the prisoner’s dilemma” – if only one person works harder, they will get a lot of advantages for only a little extra work. But, when we all strive to be first it becomes a maximum effort race with no winners. Ways to Escape the Trap: 1) Set limits. Recognize the trap and decide what you will and will not give to your work. This may mean accepting some career tradeoffs, but unless you set the limits your body will do it for you over time. It is better to make the choices yourself. 2) Seek work only you can do. We are all gifted at some things, and you get two benefits from focusing on your gifts. First, you can stay ahead of others with less effort. Second, it is more fun to do things that come easily. 3) Choose companies and bosses wisely. Some leaders push you into the trap, some leaders try to keep you out of it. Seek those that keep you out. 4) Work for yourself. If you can be your own boss you can escape the corporate side of profit maximization, or at least have it under your control. 5) Redefine success. There is nothing wrong with wanting pay, promotions, influence, etc. But if the cost gets too high, remember that plenty of people are happy without corporate success. My own path was to climb the ladder, make the money, and then step off. I sacrificed many good years to work and high stress in order to get a set of years without it. A good trade? Time will tell. Readers, what are some other ways to escape the trap?

I stopped buying into the traditional concept of "work-life balance". For the longest time, it implied a neat, tidy equilibrium and separation between my professional and personal life. But I have learned these worlds for me, are more fluid by intention and by choice. I leverage experiences to enhance my full life, whether they be professional experiences and connections to people that enhance my personal life or vice versa. We can hustle, working tirelessly and mindlessly, and think "one day, I'll prioritize my time for what really matters.” I've made the decision to begin living how I want to NOW — not for a distant someday. This shift isn't just for myself; it's a part of our family's story. I want to be a representation, in developing and raising 3 strong daughters: of how embracing the beauty of our professional and personal worlds can create a life that's truly fulfilling. To create synergy between work and personal life: 1. Set clear boundaries for how you spend your time. 2. Prioritize high-impact tasks at work. 3. Use energy (+time) management techniques. 4. Delegate and outsource tasks. 5. Set realistic (SMART) goals. 6. Embrace flexibility if possible. 7. Prioritize self-care and wellness. 8. Focus on QUALITY over quantity, always. 9. Learn to say no when necessary. 10. Take time to acknowledge what is working for you, and what isn’t - and tweak it accordingly. How do you create synergy and balance?

When I was working 9–5 in the military… I had to learn this the hard way. Work can take over your life if you let it. So I made a decision early on: My work would support my life — not replace it. Here are the 10 principles I followed to create real work-life balance (even with a demanding schedule): → Prioritize quality of life over hustle → Set non-negotiable boundaries around your time → Make rest and recovery part of your routine → Don’t say yes to everything — say yes to what matters → Schedule time for family like you schedule meetings → Stop glorifying “busy” — aim for being intentional → Build a career that aligns with your values → Take breaks without guilt — you're not a machine → Communicate your needs clearly (at work and at home) → Remind yourself daily: You work to live, not live to work I didn’t always get it right. But these principles kept me grounded. And today, as an entrepreneur and investor — they still guide me.

If you're struggling to balance a demanding HR career with personal life? You're definitely not alone. What I've found over the years is finding harmony not balance is key. Try these tips, they worked for me: 🔥Prioritize Self-Care: Your well-being is the foundation of your productivity. 🔥Set Clear Boundaries: Protect personal time to avoid burnout. 🔥Delegate When Possible: Trust your team; it’s okay not to do everything yourself. 🔥Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in each moment, whether at work or home. 🔥Regular Check-Ins: Reflect on your work-life harmony regularly and adjust as needed. Imagine a career where you feel fulfilled without compromising your personal life. Where work and life flow seamlessly together. It's totally available to you, even if it may not seem like it now. Have any of these tips worked for you, or do you have others to share? Let’s start a conversation in the comments about finding harmony in our professional and personal lives!

5 rules I follow to stay balanced all year. Even during my busiest seasons. Work-life balance looks different to everyone. Some people need a clear line between the two. Others thrive when it all blends together. Neither is wrong and neither is fixed. Over the years, I've learned my balance is seasonal. Some seasons are family-centered  (Especially when school's out for summer). Other parts of the year are work-heavy. Mostly, it's a mix of both. And that works for me. I've also learned that my team needs the same grace.  Their time is just as important as my own. So here's how I try to make sure we all stay balanced throughout the year: 1. Set Boundaries ↳ Put in clear times where you work and when you don't. ↳ Treat your team the same, no late messages unless it's a real emergency. 2. Make Time to Rest ↳ Busy periods of work need time for recovery. ↳ Schedule time to rest, for yourself and your team. 3. Quality over Quantity ↳ Don't wish for more time. Make what you have count.  ↳ Something that keeps me on track is the Pomodoro method. 4. Set Aside Time for Joy ↳ Moments with family, working on a hobby or even lying down. ↳ If it's important to you, schedule it in. 5. Remember You Can Be Flexible ↳ Check in each quarter and see if things need changing. ↳ Likewise, if a team member needs a change, be open to support them. Balance isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. It shifts with your life, your priorities, and your energy. Stay honest with yourself and you'll get there. What does balance look like for you? I'd love to hear what y'all think! ________________ ♻️ Repost to pass this along to folks who'd appreciate it! ➕ If you like what I share, go ahead and follow Lise Kuecker!

When I'm asked by a student or someone who wants to work in sports about maintaining a healthy work-life balance.... There are 3 main points that I focus on, that have helped me. 👇 1.) Prioritize - Some people can stay till 6 pm or 7 pm. All the power to you! For me is much easier for me to get in at 7 am or 8 am to get that extra work in. It's more important and valuable to me to have that 5:30 - 10:30 time with my family. 2.) Minimize Distractions - Put your head down and be as efficient as possible while you are at work. You only have so many hours and minutes in a day. Limit the coffee breaks, limit the phone, and limit the side conversations. 3.) Check Yourself - If you find that you are constantly thinking about work while you are home or out with friends, it's probably because you are stressing about all of the things that still need to be done. Which can make it seem like you aren't present with your family and friends. Finding the work-life balance that works for you isn't easy! I know I struggled mightily with it early on in my career. There are times when I choose to leave my work phone at work or I need to politely tell my colleague that I can't talk about the latest Sports News because there are things that I need to do. Prioritize your relationships, minimize your distractions, and make sure you are present. You don't live to work. The company won't crash and burn if you go in early the next morning or wait till Monday. What helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance? #WorkLifeBalance #Prioritize

‼️ I was asked how to balance work and homelife during these times of uncertainty and employees are working over time to make up for the restructuring of many companies.‼️ ▶️ I will start with a personal story of my 2023. I was moved positions from recruiting in North American to EMEA. I was asked to do this as a fixer to implement a new process and to get the red alert countries under control. ▶️ This caused me to shift my hours to 430a-3 in order to be closer to my clients timezone. I was also in a battle with the buisness rolling out a brand new program causing many high level discussions and hard conversations. We also use our personal phones for work so my email and teams is always available. ▶️ It took about 1 year before I started noticing I was stressed all the time. I was tired all the time and my personal life suffered because I was on a different schedule then my friends and husband. What did I do to balance work and home? ▶️ I decided to set up boundaries around work. I turned off my alerts on my phone and put teams on do not disturb. I also changed my hours back to US hours which led to a better mental health. I work my 40 hours and remember it's just a job. I have always been career driven and a top achiever so giving myself this permission felt weird, but it worked. ▶️ I now have boundaries set which allow me to have a work life and personal life. I never knew how important boundaries were and finding the best balance for yourself. I spend a lot of time with my nieces and nephews as I have no children and now because of my boundaries I get to spend the evenings with them and have the energy to play with them. ▶️ This could be said for #jobseekers. Looking for a job is a full time job and you need to set boundaries. Create a schedule of when you work and when you fulfill your cup. ❤️ Morale of the story, set boundaries and remember to fill your cup with joy and happiness or mentally you will end up burnt out and depressed. 🛑If this is something you relate to or have different ideas, I would love to hear them. Please Like, Share and Comment on how we can create work life balance. #hiring #opentowork #employed #worklifebalance #workers #layoff