• Balancing Work and Home Life

    If you’re working you might want to consider yourself one of the lucky ones, because right now a lot of people would love to be in your shoes. This was perfectly explained on fixingfinances.com/debt/loans-to-pay-off-debt And that’s true even if you have a crummy job and you don’t earn what you should. But there’s a truth that many people don’t talk about. Even though someone may be worse off than you, it doesn’t really make you feel any better about your lousy job, or your low pay, or your high bills, or your overtime. The truth is, the pressures you have are very much real and part of your life, so even though you life may be glorious compared to someone else, you still have to deal with how it is for you.

     

    So, are you like a lot of people today? Do you feel like you work so much that you don’t have time for anything? Do you find yourself running through the McDonald’s drive-thru at night because you never have time to cook? Do you feel like you are running yourself ragged and still playing catch-up every day? You are not alone and there are countless people with the same problem and, even better, it is not hopeless. You can learn to balance your work and home life better so that you can feel more productive at work and enjoy more free time at home. Your life will be more balanced and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you balance your work and life: Slow down.

     

    As contradictory as it may seem, if you are overworked and overwhelmed, stop running in circles. Slow down. Take a breather. Prioritize your to-do list, and do things well so you can leave them finished and move on to the next task. You will feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed with all you have to do. Tackle the mundane things and get them out of the way. Don’t procrastinate so you have to worry about them later. Finances don't like procrastination! Do them sooner, and relax later. Get them out of the way so you can enjoy yourself later on. Don’t do it all by yourself. If you have too much to do, get some help.

     

    At work, delegate responsibilities. At home, leave some responsibilities for the rest of the family. Do it the easy way. Contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking the easy road on a task if it gets the job done just as well. Like they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Clean it up! Get rid of the clutter and useless junk you don’t need. Do this at work and at home. Being able to get to what you need more quickly will eliminate frustration. And, of course, who doesn’t just feel better when everything is clean? Don’t be afraid to say no.

     

    If you already have too much to do, and someone wants to give you more work, tell them no. Let them know you are already struggling to keep up, and can’t take on any more tasks. If you have to stay late too often because you just have too much work, it tends to cut into your personal life and leave you feeling stressed. Go home, leave your work at work, and enjoy your time off. Take advantage of technology. Save phone numbers, addresses or other information into your computer, phone, or other device. This will save time later. Eliminate distractions at work.

     

    Leave your work at work, and do the same for your personal life. If you have to turn your phone off when you are at work, do it. Discourage people from bothering you while you are doing your work. Get it completed, and then focus on being social. These tips will help you manage your work and learn to not bring it home. You will be able to finish your work on time and won’t feel like you never have time to do anything. You will have more time to enjoy your home life. For the first time in a long time, you will be able to put your feet up and maybe even watch some television, or better yet, spend some quality time with your family. There’s an old saying about workaholic businessmen. Not one of them ever said, as their dying wish, “I wish I’d spent more time in the office.” Think about that. Before it’s too late.