Here’s what I know for sure about how to create a sense of work/life balance when you have a home office.
1) Define what work/life balance is for you.
“Work-Life Balance” is such a subjective thing. What might feel like great balance for one person could be a total yawn-fest or stress-bomb for another. The key to defining what balance is for you is to aim to live by your core values. My top 3 values are Family, Meaningful Work, and Integrity (Play is in there too!!!). Choose yours from a sample list below.
Authenticity, Excellence, Happiness,
Balance, Fairness, Harmony,
Commitment, Faith, Health,
Compassion, Family, Honesty,
Concern for others, Freedom, Humour,
Courage, Friendship, Integrity,
Creativity, Generosity, Kindness,
Empathy, Genuineness, Knowledge,
Loyalty, Openness, Perseverance,
Play, Meaningful, Work, Competence,
Respect for others, Responsibility, Security,
Serenity, Service to others, Wealth.
Do a quick gut check. If you’re feeling out of balance in your life ask yourself what core value(s) you’re not meeting and once you figure it out, make a few adjustments to get them back on track.
2) Create a Work/Life Schedule that honours your values.
I have been very deliberate about creating a schedule for family, work, and PLAY.
Once you create this schedule “test drive” it for a couple weeks to work out the kinks and then make a couple adjustments as needed.
You must be very deliberate about adhering to this schedule. Honour yourself and be sure to leave your office based on this schedule. Don’t set yourself up for feelings of failure and conflict. Shut things down for the day and return to them in the morning.
A few things to practice here:
Learn to say NO; stick with a “W.I.N.” (What’s Important Now) approach.
Manage expectations with everyone you deal with; always under-promise and over-deliver.
Divide the family workload with your partner fairly. Take the time to negotiate responsibilities.
Constant communication with family is key. Make sure you let your family know what each week will look like so you can all support one another.
3) Have a separate office space from your living space.
Easier said than done, but if you can, create a work space that is separate and distinct from your living space. Having a door that offers you privacy AND keeps you OUT when your day is done is ideal but work with what you have in your home.
4) Ask for what you need.
Successful businesses and families aren’t built on mind reading – at least not yet! Many people have trouble asking for help or articulating what they need to succeed. I’m very good about asking for what I need. My husband & I divide our home workload fairly and we also bring in help for housekeeping and tutoring. We also have family help with child-care which really goes a long way.
5) Be sure to inject some FUN in your life and PLAY!
Working all the time and fulfilling your home obligations doesn’t need to be beleaguering. Be deliberate about doing what’s fun for you and don’t take yourself too seriously! Life really is too short!
Enjoy,
Ruth
1) Define what work/life balance is for you.
“Work-Life Balance” is such a subjective thing. What might feel like great balance for one person could be a total yawn-fest or stress-bomb for another. The key to defining what balance is for you is to aim to live by your core values. My top 3 values are Family, Meaningful Work, and Integrity (Play is in there too!!!). Choose yours from a sample list below.
Authenticity, Excellence, Happiness,
Balance, Fairness, Harmony,
Commitment, Faith, Health,
Compassion, Family, Honesty,
Concern for others, Freedom, Humour,
Courage, Friendship, Integrity,
Creativity, Generosity, Kindness,
Empathy, Genuineness, Knowledge,
Loyalty, Openness, Perseverance,
Play, Meaningful, Work, Competence,
Respect for others, Responsibility, Security,
Serenity, Service to others, Wealth.
Do a quick gut check. If you’re feeling out of balance in your life ask yourself what core value(s) you’re not meeting and once you figure it out, make a few adjustments to get them back on track.
2) Create a Work/Life Schedule that honours your values.
I have been very deliberate about creating a schedule for family, work, and PLAY.
Once you create this schedule “test drive” it for a couple weeks to work out the kinks and then make a couple adjustments as needed.
You must be very deliberate about adhering to this schedule. Honour yourself and be sure to leave your office based on this schedule. Don’t set yourself up for feelings of failure and conflict. Shut things down for the day and return to them in the morning.
A few things to practice here:
Learn to say NO; stick with a “W.I.N.” (What’s Important Now) approach.
Manage expectations with everyone you deal with; always under-promise and over-deliver.
Divide the family workload with your partner fairly. Take the time to negotiate responsibilities.
Constant communication with family is key. Make sure you let your family know what each week will look like so you can all support one another.
3) Have a separate office space from your living space.
Easier said than done, but if you can, create a work space that is separate and distinct from your living space. Having a door that offers you privacy AND keeps you OUT when your day is done is ideal but work with what you have in your home.
4) Ask for what you need.
Successful businesses and families aren’t built on mind reading – at least not yet! Many people have trouble asking for help or articulating what they need to succeed. I’m very good about asking for what I need. My husband & I divide our home workload fairly and we also bring in help for housekeeping and tutoring. We also have family help with child-care which really goes a long way.
5) Be sure to inject some FUN in your life and PLAY!
Working all the time and fulfilling your home obligations doesn’t need to be beleaguering. Be deliberate about doing what’s fun for you and don’t take yourself too seriously! Life really is too short!
Enjoy,
Ruth
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