Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

I work shorter hours than I used to before starting a family. Also, I go by lists and
calendars to help keep me organized.

Posted by Cynthia Carrillo on October 12, 2006 12:20 PM

Lisa,

You bring up an interesting point about your Treo. The Treo certainly is a blessing and a curse.

It certainly helps me keep on top of things while traveling or when I am out of the office, but at the same time, I have a hard time leaving it at home or not checking email when I am on vacation.

I am sure I will enjoy better work/life balance if I just turn it off and tune out for a while.

Posted by Kip Havel on October 12, 2006 1:13 PM

On the Treo issue, I also find that it becomes more difficult to "unplug" when you use your Treo for both work and personal communications as many folks do. Even though employers may be picking up the tab for your cell phone (a.k.a. Treo), I suggest getting your own personal cell so that it is much easier to leave your Treo at home and turned off on vacation or weekends!!

Posted by Ava B on October 12, 2006 3:35 PM

My sister uses a Treo for work and personal use, and it's true that while on the phone with friends, she can't help but check email.

I, on the other hand, am a telecommuter, so my home is my office. You slip into the habit of checking email or working on projects during your personal time because it is so convenient.

I agree with Lisa's assessment that you have to develop your own mind set about logging off and enjoying your home life without being connected to the office 24/7.

Posted by Casey C on October 13, 2006 11:08 AM

The older I get (chronologically only! ;) I have learned that jobs come and go, but family and 'good' friends are invaluable. Taking the time to nurture the important relationships in our lives (family, friends, ourselves) it is truly the key to achieving life balance.

Technology is great, but we need to use it to our advantage. Just because we carry a TREO does not mean we are 'on demand' computers that have to answer 'on the spot' 24/7.

Following are some of the things that I have done which have improved my life balance:

1) I reorganized my thinking. I now program 'business' and 'personal' time on the same agenda. All activities receive the same respect, meaning that personal things on the agenda carry the same weight as a business appointment.

2) I have also created 'time' expectations with my clients.
I let them know that I am the 'best' solution for their business needs, but that I also have a life. When you set expectations with clients about when will you be available and how you will conduct business, they will learn to respect your time and value you more.

3) I don't carry a TREO anymore. I now have ONE Cellular phone that is enabled to get my personal calls and my business calls through a unified commnication service called the 'uni-number'. I am able to better manage all my calls (personal and business)from one place.

4)I review and reply to e-mails during scheduled times.

In conclusion, it's all about how organized we can be to dedicate the time to the things we love to do. It can be done...I do it NOW!

Posted by Esther C on October 13, 2006 2:24 PM

Great post Esther-- I am going to try some of your suggestions, especially reviewing and replying to emails at scheduled times.

Like Casey C. I tend to check emails all the time from home on the weekends and at night--not really the best use of my "free" time.

Lisa M.

Posted by Lisa on October 13, 2006 6:24 PM

I'm in an academic setting and, while it's a full-time job, I'm not required to be on-site 40 hours/week. When I first went back to work, I tried to minimize my time away from home and cut my work days short. I found that I was having to catch up on work at night or at those odd moments when my daughter was occupied with something else. Essentially, I was creating this huge conflict between needing to get my work done and wanting to spend time with my daughter. I finally realized that if I spent a little more time at work, I could get enough done so that I could come home and really be present to my husband and daughter without feeling pulled in 3 different directions!

Posted by Beth P on October 18, 2006 8:48 AM

I am also in academic setting, plus I do consulting, plus being a "Mr. Mom" is a top priority for me. At the macro level, in line with Lisa's thinking, I have a clear set of expectations I have set for myself. I do not measure success purely on career, but on a mix of metrics that include career, children, and self time. And, that's not easy either. At times, I am tempted to "go for the kill" on the career front, but I take a step back and realize that for me guiding my children and spending time with them is most gratifying. So, it's always an ongoing adjustment. Unlike Lisa and Beth, I do mix work, home, and pleasure without guilt. I make career plans for the forthcoming future, and as long as I can accomplish that, I do not have any guilt about playing during work time or working during play time. When I go on vacation, I will do business if needed; and I do have the luxury of extending my business trips by a couple of days to also enjoy the destinations. The same holds true for day-to-day work.

Kohli

Posted by C Kohli on October 19, 2006 12:41 PM

Kohli --

It seems like you have really found that balance many people are looking for. I am sure many of us would like to follow in your footsteps.

Kip

Posted by Kip Havel on October 20, 2006 1:29 PM

NO such problem with me currently but i think if this happens then shift the job accordingly as you also have to enjoy your personal life. Some of the good opportunities are waiting for you. just choose the right job descriptions .

Posted by Francois on April 3, 2008 7:51 AM