Achieving a Work Life Balance Wherever You Work

Work life balance is a term often used, but a term that is often misunderstood. People change careers due to burnout, stress, and pressure. "I want to improve my work life balance" you hear them say, and then you watch the activity schedule they are on continue to go round and round and even speed up in some cases. Working from home can be a great option depending on the career or business you are in, but beware, you can have the tendency to work even more when you are your own boss.

Maybe it isn't the job that is the problem

If someone you love and respect has uttered the "w" word (workaholic) to you, take a good look in the mirror and see if you resemble that definition. While nobody likes to think they work too much, there are worse character flaws to possess. It can be easy to blame the workload, the pressure, or the stress of the job, but often times we cause much of that stress ourselves.

It's ok to like your work

There is nothing wrong with liking your job, in fact that is a real plus and most successful people do enjoy what they do. A lot of entrepreneurial type people start their own businesses because they are capable, driven to succeed, and are not afraid to work hard. Many times a great deal of effort is required for success, and if you don't do it the project or deadline doesn't get completed.

If you are your own boss, make sure you are efficient. Ensure you are taking advantage of tools and systems that will make you more efficient, but be careful these tools don't take you over!


You may have your work life out of balance if one or more of the following are true:

* You use your electronic device at the movies or at dinner when on a "date"
* You bring work in the car to review at stoplights or when stuck in traffic
* The hours you work exceed 60
* Saturday mornings are the best time for you to "get ahead" on your work
* You check and use your electronic device in the restroom

There are many ways to improve personal efficiencies, but don't confuse efficiency with overworking. When your electronic device becomes an electronic leash, it's time to think about your work life balance.

Owning your own business and working from home can be great advantages that help work life balance. They also can make you work harder and have a more difficult time stopping work. Even if you have a home office the temptation to work all the time is there - catch up on a quick project here or there, make a couple calls, check email and find out there is a crisis you have to deal with, the list could go on and on.

Set boundaries on your work hours and electronic device time

Whether you work at the office, or if home is your office, make office hours and stick to them. There is always a crisis, a must do, or a critical task. Set some boundaries for yourself and stick to them. If you work from home, make sure your family knows your hours and honor those hours.

If you have an electronic device, have hours where you turn it off or make it quiet. Most models have a quiet hours option that is easy to program in. Take some time every day to "unplug". In the long run you will be more efficient if you can keep your life outside of work in balance with your work life.