Yesterday was the first day of my work year. I love my job with all of my being. My work motivates me and keeps me going. There is always something new to learn or something different happening and I am kept on my toes 100% of the time. This is exactly the kind of work I have been wanting to do my entire life.
Doing what I am doing at a small university was a dream on my goals list for YEARS. In all honesty I didn't think it would ever happen again. I didn't have a college degree. I had experience in the field but from back when I attended college for two years. Working at a University was a pipe dream for me. After I left my job working in sales I took some time to re-evaluate.
A friend of mine offered to share her timeshare down in Florida with me. I had never been away from my family for 10 days and I really needed a break. While I was on vacation I took a stab at getting a job at one of the local universities. Before I left my vacation I had a schedule for an interview.
I will never be more grateful for that call or that interview. The issue I have with loving my job so much is that if I am not careful I will work ALL the time. I am a workaholic. I have to diligently keep my work and life separate. If I do not I will bring work home or never leave. Even now if I have a day off during the week I usually find myself at work.
How have I learned to keep my work and life balanced? Well to be honest it is a work in progress but here are 4 tips for keeping work and life in check.
1) Do not check emails at home.
My first year working at the university I would check my emails everywhere I was. I downloaded the work app and every time there was as ding my brain went straight to work. I would answer questions on the fly. This took time I had set aside for my family and put it back towards work. The worst part was that I was not getting paid when I answered questions from home. I make an hour wage and I make that wage only when I'm on the clock. Not checking emails at home or on my phone keeps work at work and home at home. There is nothing so pressing that we cannot handle it tomorrow.
2) Use your sick and vacation time.
Sick time and vacation time is a benefit of working at many jobs. My first semester where I work I only took sick time when I was dying and I always, always felt horribly guilty. While confiding in one of my co-workers she reminded me Sick time was my right. She mentioned she used her sick time for appointments and if her kids needed mom home. They would not give me sick time unless I was meant to use it. What an idea! I no longer feel guilty if I need to stay home or I make an appointment or my kids need me. I do not feel bad if I need to take a personal day. That is literally what it is there for.
3) Leave your home life at home.
Keeping balance is not only about keeping work at work. Do not bring your personal problems into the work place. When you are at work invest 100% of what you have to give into your job. Do your very best. I drive about 15 minutes to work. During that time I blast my favorite music and sing on the top of my lungs. I clear my head and say a little prayer to let go of anything that is going on at home. If you give 100% when you are at work and leave your work at work you can leave with that sense of I did the very best. Your co-workers will appreciate not being dragged into your personal drama as well. This is one I struggle with because I am a sharer and I work at a caring environment where everyone wants to get to know you better. This is still something I am working on and will continue to work on.
4) Make your last task of the day something you can finish.
This may seem impossible but set aside the last 30 minutes of your day for a task you can complete. When I complete my final task for the day I walk away with a sense of finish. When I have a task open that's all I can think about while I'm at home with my family. Completing that final task is the period to your busy day at work and you can go on with your life knowing you are on the right track.
Bonus Tip:
I always clear my desk at the end of my day. I love walking in to a clean desk and it resets my mind to tackle a new day. I do not do well in chaos.
1) I am grateful for sick days
2) I am grateful for vacation time
3) I am grateful for personal days
4) I am grateful for a job with benefits
5) I am grateful for an awesome job
6) I am grateful for my goals
7) I am grateful for my 4th year
8) I am grateful for my education
9) I am grateful for my dreams
10) I am grateful for my office
Things I have Accomplished:
1) I work at my dream job
2) I have obtained a college degree
3) I have started my 4th year at one job.
Goal (Written as if it has already been achieved):
I have an awesome morning and evening schedule!
Does your schedule change when you are working vs when you are staying home? Do you think it is easier to stick with your goals while working or while at home? What suggestions do you have for maintaining a work life balance?
Does your schedule change when you are working vs when you are staying home? Do you think it is easier to stick with your goals while working or while at home? What suggestions do you have for maintaining a work life balance?
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