Start by asking yourself: “How would you like work to dovetail with the rest of your life? Of course, you know that improving the work/life balance would increase the sense of satisfaction with your job, feel less distracted, have more energy, and lower your threshold of stress. Can you increase your productivity by changing or revising your work tasks, responsibilities, and/or scheduling, bringing a better fit between these two parts of “you”? How about your personal life? Can you closer align the two parts of “you” by making changes or eliminating some of your stress factors?
Each person has a unique vision of his or her ideal work/life image. This image can help to decide efficiently and effectively whether or not a particular situation, choice, or opportunity will bring you closer to the desired balance. Furthermore, your vision strengthens your determination to move forward, navigate around roadblocks, and continue toward your goal. Having a work/life vision as a guide, gives you a solid base allowing you to make a realistic and rational compromise or adjustment that is acceptable for the short-term haul.
Tips for creating a unique work/life vision:· Leave all limitations at the door. Start with your ideal way of living your life – anything is possible.
· The vision doesn’t need to be fully developed all at once. Details can be filled in over time as you continue to clarify and complete the image.
· Develop on a separate list, barriers, e.g. financial considerations, family responsibilities, work load, etc. that could impede turning the vision into a reality
· When the mind, body, and spirit come together like a jigsaw puzzle, you have your “fit”.
· Imagine an environment that expresses your work/life vision: home space, workspace, geographic space, and etc. List the “must” haves and the “want” to haves.
· Share your vision. Describe it to the people who you trust, support you, and/or are part of your vision. Get their feedback.
· To prevent being overwhelmed, it may be helpful to divide your vision into: short term, medium term, and long term.
Changes to consider in your work portion of your vision:·
Why are you working
· What type of work you do
· Who is your employer
· When you do your work
· Where you work
· What is your work style
Changes to consider in your life portion of your vision:· Where you live, length of commute
· What you do for recreation, pleasure, relaxation
· What you do to keep yourself physically fit and healthy
· If you have family responsibilities, what do you do to manage them
· What you do to expand your mind
· What you do as an avocation
When you feel that it is time to have this work/life vision become a reality, set it in motion with a a six month review to assess what is working, not working, and where adjustments may have to made.
Email comments to: Annabelle Reitman, Ed.D.
Career Management Strategist, Author
anreitman@verizon.net
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