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How to maintain/cultivate work-life balance?
I want to live a full, happy life, and I don't want my life revolving around my job more so than necessary.
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7 answers
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
An important step is to make sure you have other things in your life that you get value from. Whether it be family, hobbies or social activity. If the only value you get in your life comes from work, it is very easy to fall into the trap of working more and more.
Another case is that sometimes we get so stuck in the day to day that we don't realize we are not spending enough time on our life and are working too much. I find myself in this position, and I decided this year to track the time I spend on things in my life. I use an app called Toggl and I literally track every hour of the day with what I am doing. I break things down into Life with my wife, Time with my kids, Work and Sleep. I set goals for the percentage of the day I'd like to spend on each category, and then I go back each month and look at the reports to see if I am working too much or not enough. I can see when I have spent less time with my kids and I can take measures to try and balance that out in the coming months. I realize this may not be for everyone, but there is value is tracking your time like this to make sure your life looks the way you want it to be. I got this idea from Rob Drydek. He some interesting content on this if you search his name and "work life balance" in Youtube.
Another case is that sometimes we get so stuck in the day to day that we don't realize we are not spending enough time on our life and are working too much. I find myself in this position, and I decided this year to track the time I spend on things in my life. I use an app called Toggl and I literally track every hour of the day with what I am doing. I break things down into Life with my wife, Time with my kids, Work and Sleep. I set goals for the percentage of the day I'd like to spend on each category, and then I go back each month and look at the reports to see if I am working too much or not enough. I can see when I have spent less time with my kids and I can take measures to try and balance that out in the coming months. I realize this may not be for everyone, but there is value is tracking your time like this to make sure your life looks the way you want it to be. I got this idea from Rob Drydek. He some interesting content on this if you search his name and "work life balance" in Youtube.
Updated
Amruta’s Answer
Maintaining work-life balance requires prioritizing tasks. Companies should offer flexible schedules. Setting boundaries is crucial—knowing when to stop working and focus on personal life daily. Tools available nowadays can measure time spent on work activities, and I recommend using them to manage time effectively.
Updated
Hana’s Answer
I think the best thing you can do is really make your life outside of work a priority. As long as you continue to think about this and make work life balance important to you you will be fine. Make sure to plan things outside of work to hold yourself accountable to doing them like scheduling workout classes or time with friends.
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Silviu’s Answer
Work-life balance has a unique meaning for each of us. The first step is understanding what this means to you. Is it an 8-hour, 6-hour, or 4-hour job? Is it freelance work or a permanent position? There are many options in the job market, so it's essential to discover what's best for you. You might not know right away; evaluating your options alone won't be enough. I believe that experiencing one or more job setups is necessary to achieve a balanced life between work and personal life.
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Jhanvi’s Answer
To start with, set clear boundaries by defining your work hours and communicating them to colleagues. Limit after-hours work by resisting the urge to check emails or take calls outside of those times. I personally do not keep work apps on my personal phone.
Make space for hobbies that bring you joy, whether it’s playing painting, travelling or reading, and ensure you carve out time for relaxation and family. I do this post my office hours, at the end of the day.
Practice mindfulness by staying present in whatever you’re doing, whether at work or during leisure activities.
Make space for hobbies that bring you joy, whether it’s playing painting, travelling or reading, and ensure you carve out time for relaxation and family. I do this post my office hours, at the end of the day.
Practice mindfulness by staying present in whatever you’re doing, whether at work or during leisure activities.
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Leah’s Answer
Hi Genevieve! This is a great question and is something I'm still learning to do. Finding a company that values work-life balance is super important. My company has an open work policy with unlimited PTO. I'm grateful to work for a company that allows for me to take off time for vacations, mental health days, etc. I do understand that not every company is like that. Being transparent with your management that PTO is important to you should be one of the first things you bring up when it comes to starting a new job. Once you start working, make sure to log off after your workday is done. Don't bring work home with you to guarantee that you have time to yourself, unless you have to. This would happen if you have a hybrid job, where you work from home for certain days and work in the office certain days. I hope this helps!
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Peter’s Answer
I suggest reading "How Will You Measure Your Life?" by the brilliant Clayton Christensen.
Start by reflecting on what you truly want from life. Once you have a clear understanding of that, you’ll begin to see your job as one of the tools that helps you "be" where you want to be (I say "be" rather than "get" because life is about the journey, not the destination).
I’m grateful for my job because my colleagues are fantastic, it’s intellectually challenging, and it empowers me to live the life I desire. This means I’m happily willing to dedicate a significant portion of my time to my employer.
Start by reflecting on what you truly want from life. Once you have a clear understanding of that, you’ll begin to see your job as one of the tools that helps you "be" where you want to be (I say "be" rather than "get" because life is about the journey, not the destination).
I’m grateful for my job because my colleagues are fantastic, it’s intellectually challenging, and it empowers me to live the life I desire. This means I’m happily willing to dedicate a significant portion of my time to my employer.