As an employee that has worked much to hard in previous years, I have found the dire need of a work-life balance. Finding one is difficult, but it is ultimately rewarding.

Early on in a career, it is of course important to prove yourself. But it is appropriate to do so at the expense of running yourself ragged? Answer: probably. When starting out, it's dog eat dog, and in the business world the employee who's committed to committing more time, energy and toil will get ahead. Lesson learned? Go on and get ahead. Prove yourself. And then take a nap. Go out to dinner with your friends. Catch a movie.

As your career moves forward, it's still important to show your desire to do well by your company. However, priorities can change. If you've paid your dues, those priorities are understandable by your co-workers and superiors. With spouses and families, work-life balance is of utmost importance (prior to that, who did you answer to but your roommate and happy hour?). Getting home for dinner at night, being able to take your kids to the park on Saturday, having the flexibility to duck out of work early to make it to your children's school play- these things matter. It may have been worth it to skip your buddy's birthday bash to put in some extra hours at the office, but if you must miss out on the moments that count, what are you really working for in the first place?

Here are some tips to finding work-life balance:
Prioritize - I understand the mentality of work-a-holics and perfectionists. Been there. But you must learn to prioritize your daily tasks at works. Does your boss need to see a finalized document at 9 p.m.? Will he or she look at it as soon as they breeze through the door? If the answer is no, it can wait. Make lists in order of importance. Set goals - "I must finish A, B, C, and then I'll get to Kate's dinner."

Be selective - If you have priorities away from the office, be sure that before you sign on with that office that they are aware of your family situation and that you expect to be able to spend a given amount of time with them while doing your job well, of course. If your employer balks at this, re-think your decision to work with them. Again, is it worth it?

Be candid - Send an email early in the week that says "Just to let you all know, I'm leaving at 4:00 pm on Friday. If you need something from me by the end of the week, please let me know by Noon on Thursday and I will be sure it's taken care of before I leave. Thanks." People respond to deadlines and appreciate the heads up.

Bottom line: Life's short. Find a way to live some of it.

Learn more about this author, L Jack.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The benefits (for everyone) of having a work-life balance?
We want to hear your view. Write now!