Work-Life Balance

[Kypriotha]

That elusive state of being that we all aspire to, but only some reach, particularly in the current technological era where more people are more accessible at more times.

What are your tips or tricks for achieving a good work-life balance? How do you switch off from work or reward yourself for all your hard work?

(I think the same principles can apply to managing school or uni or unpaid work, so feel free to contribute even if you're not currently engaged in formal work.)

[Idleness]

I'm a bit of a workaholic. I mean, I don't put in ridiculous hours (because I'm not into martyrdom) but I do put in my level best effort when I'm at work, so a lot of thought and energy. I'm also a bit of a determinator when it comes to seeing tasks and projects through to completion (and I will steamroll any obstacle in my way). And I do get a lot of personal satisfaction from that.

So when I'm at work, I'm 100% at work. Which means that when I'm not at work, I like to be 100% idle. Apart from the usual eating well and getting enough sleep, and taking leave to de-stress every now and then, I'm pretty chilled out when I'm not at work and I like to do as little as possible. My partner, who is an active relaxer, has learned to let me vegetate in the evenings and weekends. 😂

[mageprincess]

I've been a Receptionist/Admin in law firms since I got my first full time job. I worked in small firms with only a couple of solicitors and a couple of admins, which meant reception and admin crossed over in those jobs. My first job had absolutely zero work/life balance for me because one of the women I worked with was a complete bully and treated my super badly. I would frequently be at work for hours after my day should have ended and then when I got home I would spend my evenings and weekends stressing about work. I was headed for a nervous breakdown. Eventually that woman left the firm and things definitely got a lot better, but once I moved into my next job it was really nice to just be able to go home and not worry about work until I had to go back in the next morning.

I just started a new job at the beginning of the year, and thus far the work/life balance has been great. I'm no longer the receptionist (although I am currently covering Reception), I'm a proper admin. I'm a 'floater', which means I go from department to department and fill in for people who are away or help out where ever I'm needed. I think since there's no guarantee I'll be in the same place on any given day or week that stops things from getting too stressful even if things are busy.

And I can still be bothered to do things after work, like see my friends or go to choir.

[devilinthedetails]

Since I work a full time job while earning my Masters degree in Library Science, I'm probably not the best person to ask about work-life balance though it's more life (crazy family) that gives me stress than work. My job and schoolwork I can handle as long as I work hard, stay focused, and manage my time well. My family just always produces drama and conflict but I love them so that's why I don't cut them out of my life.

I do try to create a delineation between my personal life and my professional/academic one. I don't keep my cell phone on at work, so my family and friends know that they can't call or text me when I'm at work (unless it's an emergency, then they have to use the office phone). Sometimes I check my cell during my lunch break, but most of the time I won't check it until I'm on the train home from work.

I try to get in a bit of reading every night before bed. That helps me unwind. I also turn off my cell at night. I really don't need to be reachable by my cell 24/7, so off goes that distracting device.

I also have a tendency to only be friends with people who are pretty calm and diplomatic, and thus unlikely to create drama. I get enough drama from my family that I don't need it from friends.

I also just don't even bother with social media like Facebook or Twitter any more. They just seem like very toxic places these days. I do like online forums dedicated to specific fandoms like this site, though. I find people tend to be friendlier in places like these than on sites like Facebook or Twitter.

Every once in awhile I will also give myself a reward. For instance, at the end of every semester, I will give myself a treat like a trip to the movies or something similar. The past few semesters the treats have been Star Wars and Fantastic Beasts movies, haha.