Do you feel as if you have no life because you work all the time?
If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. There are many popular movies and TV shows that depict working long hours.
Many employers spend money on office perks to keep you at the office. For example, that awful coffee in the breakroom is an office perk (your employer doesn’t have to provide it for you).
Some employers have lunch catered into the office to keep you working. Others reimburse for meals if you work during lunch or after-hours.
During my career, I’ve never worked a 9AM to 5PM job. I’m not sure if work hours like that even exist anymore.
Most of my experience has been working over eight-hour days. If there was a tight deadline or if I was traveling, it wasn’t unusual to work over ten hours.
We used to talk about the balance between personal life and work life. But realistically with technology, there are no clear boundaries.
Technology gives us immediate access to managers, co-workers, vendors, and clients.
But it also provides us with the flexibility to work anywhere — as long as there is an internet connection and if your job doesn’t require you to be at a certain location (e.g., school, hospital, store, front desk, etc.).
Are you integrating work and life?
If you’re not integrating work and life, then it’s time to re-evaluate how you approach work.
Here are some examples of how to integrate work and life:
being home for dinner by 6PM and back to work in a home office by 8PM
taking an extended vacation and blocking off time during the day to work
reading your child a bedtime story via a video call (e.g., Skype) if you need to work late
being in the office for 3 days and working from home the remainder of the time
forwarding your work phone to your cell (if your employer doesn’t provide you with a cell)
Be creative as you come up with other options on how to integrate work and life. But also be realistic about your level of self-discipline.
Once you figure out the approach you want to take, then talk with your manager to find out which option is possible.
If working virtually is new to your employer, then it may take several conversations. Be patient as you bring your employer into the 21st century and introduce them to technological advances.
If your current job doesn’t allow for working virtually, then explore other opportunities within your company. If there is nothing available that allows integrating work and life, then it may be time to explore other employers.
If you’re struggling to have a life but your job is too demanding, it’s time to re-evaluate how you work. Take the initiative and figure out how to integrate work and life.
Stop complaining and do something. And remember, stay PEF (positive, enthused, and focused)!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”