Success Happy

How can I achieve a better work-life balance?

I just got a new job and I LOVE it. I'm basically doing what I'd do in my spare time -- the only difference is that I'm getting paid to do it. So it doesn't feel like work to me. Since it doesn't feel like work, I'm working all the time. Everyone at this company works from home and sets their own hours, so I work all day (more like "play" all day). However I feel guilty because I'm working all the time. It's so hard for me to pull myself away from it because it's sooo fun. How do I achieve a better work-life balance? I feel like I'm missing out on time with my mom, brother, family etc, because to me the only thing that I really want to do is work. It's like I live and breathe my job. And love every minute of it. I know this isn't healthy, so what are some strategies for not becoming a workaholic? BTW I'm 28, single and living at home trying to save $$ so I can move out eventually (please, no rude comments about me living at home at 28).

Public Comments

1. As the statement 'maintain a healthy work life balance' states, work is not (or should not be) your whole life. Believe it or not, it really is important to maintain a healthy work life balance, if not for you, for your family. It's simply not healthy to work all of the time - allow yourself some time for you, and realize how quickly your quality of life will improve. 1. Unless you really can't do so, leave work at work. Even if you work from home, you can confine your work to a certain number of hours a day in order to guarantee yourself some time for you. For at least a few hours a day, put down the Blackberry, log out of email, and take some time to relax. 2. Work from home if you can. Of course, you'll still have to work a full day, but you can take some time out for a home cooked lunch, or give yourself a break for a few minutes when you need it. Also, when working from home, dedicate a certain room to doing work. Keep work out of your bedroom, because that is a place for relaxation, not work. Giving work its own space in your home will help you maintain a healthy work life balance. 3. Take your vacation days. You earned them, so use them! A healthy work life balance involves taking some days away from the office. Whether you go away or take a stay-at-home vacation, use up every single one of your vacation days. Even if your company has a vacation selling program, it may be best to use the vacation days for your own relaxation. 4. Make family time a priority, especially if you have kids. You don't want your kids to remember you as a workaholic. A great way to spend time with your family is to make family dinner a priority. Don't make it an option, make it mandatory. Enjoy your family dinner, and don't rush away from the table. Work can come and go, but family is forever. 5. Institute a policy of work free weekends. As an adult, you have plenty of responsibility outside of work. Spend the weekends relaxing, running errands, spending time with family and having fun. When is the last time you stopped to read a book? Here's your chance! Take a few hours on the weekend to get lost in a best seller, an old classic, or a fun romance novel. 6. Set limitations at work. It may be tough to explain to your boss why you can not work past a certain hour every night, but a reasonable boss will understand your need for a work life balance. If your boss does not understand, go to your work's human resources department - a human resources representative may be able to act as your work life balance advocate. 7. Exercise. Even a half hour of moderate exercise will give you energy and give you the strength to face the day. If your work location offers gym facilities, take advantage of them. Instead of sitting in a cafeteria eating an unhealthy lunch, pack yourself a healthy sandwich to eat at your desk and spend your lunch hour at the company gym. 8. Join a club or get a hobby. These two things will give you something outside of work to look forward to, which is an important factor in maintaining a healthy work life balance. You will enjoy partaking in these activities, and participating in these will help you see that there is more to life than just work. 9. While sleeping may not be the most exciting thing on earth, and you certainly aren't living it up while you're asleep, but sleep is important. Without proper sleep, you aren't able to properly function. Without being able to function, you won't enjoy life and both your work and personal life will suffer. So, for goodness sake, get at least seven hours of sleep a night.