Work/Life/Family Balance.......How do you do it?

Originally posted by: tamaralyster

What are the secrets to having everything while still living a balanced life? How do you start up and run a business without other areas suffering?

Wow, that's a great question

I think the approach you take will depend on what your priorities in life are. For me (male, 33, partner, no kids), my main priority (apart from work) is being able to spend enough time with my partner, and being able to socialise with my friends. I generally work long hours during the week, but as a rule take weekends off, starting around 4.30 on Friday.

There are times when working weekends is inevitable, either because of general workload, or emergencies.

But the main thing is, I really love my work. I enjoy it, and I get a real buzz out of being busy. I think I'd be a lot less happy about doing long hours if I didn't feel that way about my work.
------------------------
www.symworks.com

0845 009 8230

UK web solutions

Hi There,

It's a tough question and one I ask myself many times...am I'm achieving it.
The answer is probably no.

I'm a 33 female, workaholic, partner and I have a baby on the way, I also work from home.
At the moment I work, work, work, and my partner does the same, it works for us both but we also do have qualitly time together. I tend to work many hours over the weekends as well...god knows how it's going to pan out with a baby!!!

The key as SysOps says is doing the things in life you enjoy. I love my work and love everything about it, I've loved building a business and running it. I always wish I had more 'me' time but when I do I find myself back at my desk so really I must be happy with the way my life is balanced.

It's worse working from home as it's always there and hard to shut the door on.

I wouldn't say I have an unbalanced life just full really!!!
With a baby it's going to be crammed :-Z

Sarah
------------------------
www.ohsocherished.co.uk

Hey your never too young to start a career!!!!
I started working when I was 13.

S
------------------------
www.ohsocherished.co.uk

Thanks for taking the time to contribute guys.

Good point SysOps. It certainly does come down to what our priorities are. Everyone has different opinions on what they consider as top priorities versus bottom priorities. Establishing those things that are most important will make life alot easier.

Hi Sarah, congrats on your pregnancy. How far along are you? Motherhood is certainly quite an adventure and it sounds like you will have your hands full. I have no doubt you will make it work though.

TamaraLyster Online
www.tamaralyster.net">href="http://www.tamaralyster.net">www.tamaralyster.net

A marketing concept for businesses focussed on health, wellness, personal development and human growth.

• Strategic Brand Development


• High Impact Business Writing


• OnDemand "Cost-Per-Query" Marketing
  

A great starting point for achieving work/life balance is to look at the way you live your life.

1. Do you spend your weekends working? Or thinking about work?

I am a firm believer that we all need some down time. Time to relax, reflect and refresh. We all have a vested interest in achieving success with our businesses but how much use will we be if we burn out from exhaustion and stress. Take some time every week to focus on YOU and your FAMILY.

2. Do you start the day stressing about all the jobs you need to get through?

Stress is not a good thing to wake up to so ensure that business issues are put aside til you are at work. Focus on spending time with family or even spend half an hour organising your house. It's always nice to come home to a clean home at the end of a busy day.

3. Do you neglect your health by not eating right? Do you skip a healthy, brain feeding breakfast in the rush to get to the office?

Skipping breakfast can be detrimental to your on-going health. Your body NEEDS that kick start in the morning and what better way to get of on the right foot than by fuelling your budy with nutricious food. This will not just kick start you physically but mentally aswell.

4. Do you exercise on a regular basis? Or at least enjoy some regular fresh air and sunshine?

Regular exercise in some form or other is essential to our on-going health. It will dramatically increase your energy levels, enable you to focus more effectively on your work and help to reduce stress levels. Exercise coupled with a good diet are key to achieving the most from yourself.

5. Do problems that arise at work spill into your home and influence the way you treat your family or friends?

Never let problems within your work environment flow into your home environment. When your work day is finished then leave all problems at the door. Discussing things with your partner for opinions and sharing concerns are fine but never allow these problems to influence how you treat others.

6. Evaluate your time management and organisational skills within the workplace.

Time management and organisation are essential when it comes to running any successful business. Install a system into your work life that will enable a much better return on your energy. The last thing you need is to spend countless hours searching for things that have no defined home, hunting for important documents or procrastinating over tasks. This will also add a level of professionalism to your business.

7. Evaluate time management and organisation within your home.

As much as time management and organisation are essential in business, they are also essential in a busy home environment. The two compliment each other. If your home is ordered and well maintained it frees you up to focus on work related tasks, and vice versa. Take a little time everyday to put things away where they belong, keep main living areas clean, have a system in place for bill payments, meals and other errands.

TamaraLyster Online
www.tamaralyster.net">href="http://www.tamaralyster.net">www.tamaralyster.net

A marketing concept for businesses focussed on health, wellness, personal development and human growth.

• Strategic Brand Development


• High Impact Business Writing


• OnDemand "Cost-Per-Query" Marketing