WorkLife Balance

How Meditation Can Reduce Your Stress and Prevent Burnout

briteweb Blog, Personal Growth, WorkLife Balance 4 Comments

Everyone experiences some degree of workplace stress, but over time, even small stressors can take a big toll on your physical and mental health, eventually leading to exhaustion and burnout.

You can help prevent burnout by establishing a daily meditation routine: even just a few minutes a day can provide real benefits.

Studies have shown that meditation decreases stress and anxiety, and it increases focus and concentration. It can also have direct physical benefits: it helps to decrease blood pressure, increases blood flow to the heart and decreases muscle tension—including the muscles that cause stress-related tension headaches!

Meditation Decreases Your Stress & Anxiety

It is a well-known fact that chronic stress negatively affects both the body and the mind. Meditation can help mitigate stress by promoting relaxation and helping you let go of daily worries. It also increases positive feelings and tolerance, so you’ll be less likely lash out when your child refuses to cooperate or your boss piles on additional work at the last minute.

Tense situations simply won’t rattle you as much. A daily practice will also lessen the chances of reaching for unhealthy stress-relief options that cause damage, such as smoking, binge drinking or overeating.

Meditation Increases Your Focus & Concentration

It teaches you to focus on the present moment, which means you can more effectively tune out unhelpful distractions and complete the tasks in front of you. This improved focus leads to better prioritizing and decision-making both at work and in life.

Many busy working people feel that meditation is just another time-consuming activity to add to an already over-scheduled day. However, by taking just a few minutes out of your day to relax and focus, you are actually likely to increase your productivity—and stave off burnout at the same time.

Meditation Improves Your Physical Health

If you feel healthy and strong, you are less likely to become overwhelmed by stress and experience burnout. Meditation has been linked to a host of physical benefits including pain relief, lower oxygen consumption and decreased respiratory rate.

Regular practice has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. In addition, meditation helps promote restful sleep and the ability to give up unhealthful behaviors like substance abuse.

Furthermore, many common illnesses are exacerbated by stress, and meditating helps keep stress at bay. It has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms from a host of ailments, ranging from arthritis to allergies to cancer to PMS. It is also linked to stronger immune systems and shorter post-operation healing times. (Meditation is not a replacement for medication, of course, but many physicians are now recommending meditation as a complementary addition to traditional medical treatment.) If you are looking to improve your physical health, there is really no reason not to try it.

In addition to providing all of these benefits, meditation is completely free and accessible to anyone. There is no special equipment required, and you can do it from pretty much anywhere. (If you’re having a stressful day at work, you can take five-minutes to  meditate in your car—or even in a stairwell!)

However, many people have difficulties establishing a routine at first. It may help to create a small space in your home that you use exclusively for meditating, and to set aside a specific time of day as your designated meditation time. You can start with just five minutes a day (use a timer to help yourself keep track). If you still have trouble sticking with it, there are many free resources available online that can help. Here is a good place to start.

This post was written on behalf of Psychic Source. To get a convenient reading from a psychic online, visit their website today. Image courtesy of Jon Fife. 

6 Good Reasons Work-Life Balance is More Important than Money

briteweb Blog, WorkLife Balance 3 Comments

If you’re struggling to make a career decision or simply to find more balance between your work and the rest of your life, you’re certainly not alone. More and more employees, particularly Gen Y employees, are looking for better balance between work and home, and they are prioritizing it higher than a huge paycheck.

The younger generation seems to be moving in the right direction here. Even if more work-life balance means taking home less money, it’s probably better to opt in favor of more balance. Here are six good reasons why:

1. More Money Doesn’t Equal More Happiness

Many people have chosen a job that winds up requiring long hours or a ridiculous commute, because it offers higher pay. Why do they do this? Because of one simple misconception: more money = more happiness.

But scientific research is discovering that this is actually not true! Studies between nations find that happiness is actually more prevalent in nations like Mexico, where many individuals live at or just above the subsistence level. Other studies published in Science show that increased income comes with a relatively brief period of increased happiness – and then just results in wanting even more.

Basically, once you have enough to meet your basic needs and splurge on a few extras, more money will actually bring more stress – not more happiness!

2. Better Balance Boosts Creativity

Work-life balance can increase your creativity at home and at work. When you have sufficient time to unwind and think through your day, your creativity can skyrocket.

Ever had a great idea while you’re taking a long, relaxing shower? It’s because your brain can make more creative connections when you aren’t constantly thinking about the next thing on your to-do list. With a job that offers no work-life balance, when are you going to find time for those long showers – or whatever other relaxing activity gives you your best ideas?

3. Relaxation Improves Productivity

Besides being more creative, you’ll actually be more productive if you seek a job with better work-life balance. (Ironically, this could mean making more money in the end, depending on your field of expertise!)

One article in Forbes notes that many companies that offer their employees a flexible work schedule see overall increases in employee productivity because of it!

4. You’ll Actually Get To Enjoy What You Do Have

What’s the point of working so hard that you can afford a backyard pool, a luxury car, or an expensive vacation if you never really get to enjoy any of those things?

Whether you’re a family man trying to give your kids the world or a single gal wanting to get ahead to enjoy “the good life,” finding a job with better work-life balance allows you to provide for your needs and wants, but also lets you have time to enjoy all those things you’re working for.

5. Lack of Balance Leads to Burnout

One of the pervasive problems with the 90-hour-workweek crew is burnout. If you work at a frenetic pace for several years in a row, you’ll burn out – physically, emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

You’ll run out of ideas. You’ll run out of energy. You’ll run out of creativity. You’ll just plain have a heart attack! A job with better work-life balance may mean more earnings over the long run because you’ll be less likely to burn out.

6. Life is Lived in the Little Moments

Finally, the main reason to opt for a job with better work-life balance is simply that if you don’t balance work with the rest of your life, you’ll miss it.

Believe it or not, your life isn’t about the number of zeros on your year-end bonus. Life is about the moments that are worth savoring. And a job with a decent income and great work-life balance lets you savor those moments and create a life that’s really worth living.
More and more young professionals, particularly, are seeking out jobs with flexibility and the chance for good work-life balance, even if those jobs typically come with slightly lower pay.

Daniela Baker, social media advocate at the credit card comparison blog CreditDonkey.com, says that in the end, it’s up to you to decide, but hopefully these six reasons to choose better work-life balance have at least made you think twice about accepting that job with a hefty raise and equally hefty requirements.

Image courtesy of DirkJan Ranzijn. 

 

5 Ways to Get Exercise at Your Desk

Guest Author Blog, Guest Articles, WorkLife Balance No Comments

It’s a proven medical fact that sitting at a desk for hours at a time will literally drain your life force.

Don’t believe it? Studies conducted in 2011 showed that sitting at a desk for an entire workday can be as dangerous as smoking. The combination of low activity, a lack of exercise, poor posture and even worse circulation act together to dramatically increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and premature death.

That’s right – sitting around for too long can actually kill you.

What You Can Do

To avoid early cubicle obliteration, try these five ways to get exercise at your desk.

1. Use The Ball

 It might look hilarious, but this thing actually works if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Studies are inconclusive regarding its ability to improve posture, but sitting on an exercise ball does encourage people to bounce around, do leg lifts and generally move about more, which helps keep muscles active and burns more calories than just sitting in a chair all day.

2. Do The Ol’ Wooden Leg

Exercising at your desk often involves using your own body weight and what little space you’re afforded.

The “Wooden Leg” exercise is as simple as lifting your leg at the knee and holding it straight out in front of you for 2 seconds, then raising it as high as you can and holding it for another 2 seconds. Slackers stop at 15 reps per leg, but since you’re just sitting there you may as well just do it as much as you can.

3. Desk Clamp

 This one is actually kind of hard core.

You’ll need a little extra desk space (and a sturdy desk), so it’s good if you can scoot your keyboard out of the way. Once you have the room, place your forearms flat on the desk from elbow to wrist then bring your knees up onto the underside of the desk so that you’re “clamped” to it. Hold for as long as possible – and don’t feel bad if it’s not that long.

4. Lift Heavy Things

 Finally, there’s a reason to keep a dictionary on your desk.

The idea is simple: pick up something heavy and repeat. It doesn’t matter what it is, but it does matter how you lift it. Slow and easy is the key. Lifting things slowly will help prevent straining and give you a better workout by focusing muscle use. It doesn’t have to be a book. Anything heavy that is lying on your desk or around the office will do.

5. Try Isometrics

Isometrics is exercise by means of contracting muscles without resistance or creating resistance with the body or an immovable object. In other words, it’s fancy talk for pressing your body against something, or even itself.

Isometric exercises you can do at your desk include abdominal contractions, pressing your palms together and pressing your legs, arms or hands against your desk for short bursts of time. It probably sounds silly, but it works.

Avoid The Risk

Doing anything is better than just sitting there. Use these tips or come up with your own exercises. As long as you’re being active, you’re winning.

James Madeiros is a staff writer for Teacher Certification Degrees, a career resource for individuals interested in becoming a teacher.

Image courtesy of lucidtech. 

How To Stay Sane In Your Home Office

Guest Author Blog, Guest Articles, WorkLife Balance 5 Comments

For many people, the idea of working from home is a dream come true. And you know what? They’re absolutely right! However, it’s not always as easy as one would think.

For starters, being in your home means you are surrounded with a plethora of distractions. Aside from the usual TV, dog, kids, and other distractions you wouldn’t find in a “regular” corporate office, being isolated and cooped up can make you feel stir crazy!

So how can you work from home and stay sane at the same time? Here are five valuable tips I’ve learned by running my own business (Credit Card Forum) from my home office for 3 years and counting.

Tip #1: Limit your distractions

First and foremost, you should get rid of as many distractions as possible. This means working in a room that has no TV. If your job involves a computer, it’s best to set ground rules for time-wasters like Facebook and news sites… don’t use them during your working hours! The same holds true for texting with friends – you wouldn’t be able to do that at a regular office, so why waste time doing it at your home office?

Tip #2: Have a comfortable chair

This may be the best investment you could make. Years ago when I was working for the man, I remember the cheap computer chair I had to sit in (it was the most entry-level model you could imagine). The surface was so hard, I would constantly have to re-adjust my body throughout the day to prevent my behind from going numb! So the first thing I did when I became self-employed was buy a comfortable chair – what a world of difference! I’m not saying you should go buy a Lazy Boy to sit in, but being comfortable and being productive usually go hand-in-hand.

Tip #3: Stick to a schedule

Without a boss around, you may find it difficult to stick to a schedule. To counter this problem, I’ve found it helpful to stick to a routine. I usually write mine out in advance. For example on Monday I will be writing personal finance news on my blog. On Tuesday I will be updating my airline credit card reviews. Wednesday will be an administrative day for accounting and paying bills. By having a schedule in place which I need to follow, I’m less likely to kick back and procrastinate.

Tip #4: Leave home for your break

It’s no fun to sit at home in front of your computer all day, alone. So what I try and do is schedule quick errands as my mid-day/lunch break. For example I may take off between 1-2 pm to hit up the grocery store, refill prescriptions, grab lunch with a friend, etc. Doing these in the middle of your work day can be a nice break, but just keep an eye on the clock and don’t be gone too long.

Tip #5: Eat healthier and regularly

In the corporate world, you don’t always have the opportunity to eat a healthy lunch. As a result, you may end up feeling lethargic throughout the afternoon. When you work out of your home office there’s no excuse for this to happen – you can prepare whatever food you want. I recommend choosing your at-home meals before the week begins, selecting healthy items which won’t spike your blood sugar or leave you feeling like you just ate a whale. Also, don’t forget to have a healthy snack in the afternoon, to keep you energized for the homestretch of your workday.

Do you ever work out of your home office? Any tips to share?

 

Mike Dolen operates CreditCardForum out of his home office in Los Angeles. It is a website for reviews of credit cards, contributed by forum members as well as himself. His most recent reviews are for the Capital One Journey and Chase Southwest card.

Image courtesy of Maegan Tintari. 

3 Ways to Make the Most of Life Outside the Office

Guest Author Blog, Personal Growth, WorkLife Balance 15 Comments

According to World Bank, the average life expectancy of Americans in 2009 was 78 years old.

Given that Americans generally begin working at around 18 and retire at 65, working an average of 40 hours a week during that time, most people in the US spend 14% of their lives working — that’s almost 11 years!

Now let’s factor in some other life percentages: 33% sleep, 12% school, 1.3% using the bathroom, and sometimes up to 16% watching TV! All totaled the average American, then, only has about 25% of her life to do the things she is passionate about (although you can increase that figure to somewhere around 35% if you cut out TV).

What’s the point of all these facts and figures?

Just a simple reminder that life is short and time is precious.  We all want to be successful, but sometimes the cost of success is greater than the benefit, especially when it comes to work.

The American work-ethic is much more intense than probably anywhere else on the planet.  The terms “workaholic” and “married to my job” probably originated in America, and it’s no surprise why.  We take our work seriously.

But what are we doing with the rest of our time?

Granted, there are those perversely driven and otherwise demented individuals who work 70+ hours in a week and stop only long enough to breathe, eat, and sleep.  But the majority of us want a break, and wouldn’t work past 5pm no matter what the pay.

The irony is that the people who work 70 hours a week are probably happier and feel more fulfilled at the end of the day than people who put in the average 40 hours and then go home, turn on the TV and veg out.  And let’s be honest, after a day’s work, that’s exactly what most of us do — turn into vegetables.

It’s all too easy to fall into a routine that doesn’t search for enrichment as a working adult.  But you don’t want to one day turn 65 and realize that you never chased those passions of yours because you were too busy working.

How can we better use our free time?

The answer to that question will be different for everyone, but here are a few suggestions:

Start a Business

It might sound scary, but there is little in life more satisfying than owning and operating a business, even if it’s only a business on the side, that directly pertains to your passions.  Love to make pottery? Invest in a wheel and sell your bowls and vases on Etsy.  Have a knack for editing? Start networking and offering your services to businesses or local magazines.  The point is, don’t let your talents go to waste.

Learn an Instrument

It isn’t easy to learn to play an instrument, but it is greatly rewarding no matter how old you are.

Of course, some instruments are more expensive than others (pianos can sell upwards of $50,000 depending on the scale), but there are less expensive alternatives to almost any instrument (keyboards, for example) and you can teach yourself from books that are also inexpensive.

Take Cooking Classes

This can be especially fun if you do it with your husband or wife.  Food is an everyday joy that we often take for granted, but it is very easy to rediscover.

Even buying a new cookbook and trying new recipes often sparks conversation and is a great way to spend the evening with loved ones — certainly much better than lazing around on the couch and watching the same TV shows over and over.

And if cooking doesn’t appeal to you, try to think of something that does: dancing, art, woodworking, jewelry making — there’s a class for just about anything if you look.

Whatever you do, give yourself permission to be a little demented like those hounds who work 70+ hour weeks.  Fill your life with the things and people that matter, and don’t be distracted by the irrelevant.  Life is short, time is precious, and work, while important, isn’t everything.  Enrich and balance your life!

About the Author:  Lauren Bailey regularly writes for accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99 @gmail.com.

Image courtesy of Or Hiltch.

 

3 Ugly Habits That Destroy Work-Life Balance

Michelle Agner Blog, Personal Growth, WorkLife Balance 20 Comments

I don’t believe in all that astrology mumbo-jumbo.

But maybe that’s because I’m a Libra.

Do you recall the symbol for Libra? It’s not the bull. Nor that half-human, half-horse thing.

It’s the scales. You know, the symbol that conveys the principle of symmetry and balance?

Well, I’m not exactly the poster child for it.

Throughout my career I have repeatedly exhibited a complete and total lack of work-life balance.

Those scales we always see so perfectly balanced?

Those aren’t mine.  Mine look more like this:

So when I discovered that the exciting opportunity I applied for via a blind ad last January was with a company that guarantees their clients an unfair advantage in the game of life through work-life balance,  I could appreciate the irony.

And while I haven’t yet achieved mastery in the arena of work-life balance – hey, it’s only been 6 weeks! - I’m beginning to see how my prior habits contributed to my lack of job satisfaction in the past.

Here are a few things I shall avoid in the future:

  1. Building my identity around my job. This habit stinks for two reasons. First, when things are potentially stressful at work, I’d carry it with me everywhere. Friends quickly discovered not to ask how things were going at work, because I would tell them. A prior boss once told me, “You need a thing outside of work. Get a thing or you’ll drive yourself crazy.” He was right!  The second reason?  When work suddenly went away, I floundered more than I expected. I was my job. Without it, all I could think was, “Now what?”
  2. Considering pleasing others to always be more important than pleasing myself. And under this category is my natural aversion to the word “no.” Seems that the mere fact that someone has requested that Project XYZ be complete in just 4 days makes me automatically presume that it’s possible to complete it in that time frame. At a prior job I often admired my older, wiser teammate who would say, “I don’t think we can do that, but let’s look at what we can do.”
  3. Creating unreasonable to-do lists. I recall a prior manager of mine looking over my shoulder at my to-do list for the day. “That’s for today?!” he exclaimed. “No wonder you’re not feeling effective – it would take anyone a week to accomplish that list!” He advised me to shrink my list to no more than 3 major items per day. And I did it. For about a week. Then I went back to my old ways. Because, hey, there was so much to do!

Awareness of these habits is the start of my transformation here at Balanced WorkLife. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted on the next steps.

Meanwhile, do you have any habits that sabotage your work-life balance? Have you overcome any of them?

Images courtesy of Clexow, Hans Splinter.

You Can't Give Your Best If You're Not at Your Best

Guest Author Blog, WorkLife Balance 17 Comments

Editor’s note: guest post by Barb Nefer.

Why is there so much hype about balancing your personal and professional lives? Is being a workaholic really so bad? By putting your job first, you show your boss that you’re a dedicated worker who gets things done, even if there’s a personal cost. On the surface, that sounds like a recipe for career advancement, but it often has the opposite effect.

Schedule Regular Time to Recharge

Initially you might be successful if you focus every bit of your energy on your job, but no one has unlimited reserves. You have to take some time to recharge yourself or your performance will suffer.

Everyone has different ways of recharging. Some people like to get closer to nature, whether that means a weekend camping trip, a day of hiking in a forest preserve, or an hour relaxing in the park. Others build up new energy reserves by listening to their favorite music, spending an hour or two with a good book, working out in the gym, or simply doing nothing at all.

Choose your own personal method of recharging and schedule it in every week, just as you schedule business meetings. Give it the same level of importance as work-related responsibilities. Ultimately, it’s work-related, too, because it helps you stay at your best. You can’t give your top performance if you’re not in peak condition.

Although your choice of activity can be almost anything, it must meet one condition. Choose something totally removed from your job that takes your mind completely off your work.

Recognizing Burnout

Sometimes your scheduled recharge time isn’t enough. Your energy gets tapped more quickly than you can rebuild it if your job is especially stressful or if you’re juggling heavy family responsibilities as well as your work. For example, parenting young children or taking care of elders are common stressors that can interfere with your job performance if you neglect yourself.

How can you tell if you’re burning out? Here are five signs:

1) Making careless mistakes. One of the first signs of burnout is concentration problems, which often leads to errors. If you’re normally a careful, accurate worker and you suddenly catch yourself making blunders, you’re probably in the early burnout stages. You need time to recharge and clear your mind.

2) Being overly critical of yourself and others. Stress often manifests itself in a shortened fuse. In people with workaholic tendencies, this often comes out in self-criticism or in harsh judgment of co-workers. If you’re more snappish and intolerant of other people, and if you’re mentally beating yourself up, it’s time to give yourself a break.

3) Dreading the workday. Workaholics usually get a high level of satisfaction from their jobs. If that good feeling is replaced by dread when your alarm clock goes off in the morning, you’re getting burned out.

4) Eating or drinking too much. It’s common to self-medicate when you’re too caught up in your job to unwind in healthy ways. Instead of getting away from your workplace and relaxing, you go for the instant gratification of snacks from the vending machines or a few beers or glasses of wine when you get home.

5) Losing your sense of achievement. Workaholics put in long hours and Herculean efforts because it feeds their self-esteem as well as giving them tangible success. If you’re losing the good feelings that you once got from your profession, you need to look at the personal side of life and take care of yourself.

If you let the burnout continue, you’ll jeopardize both your job and your health. You can’t do your best in anything if you’re not at your best yourself.

Burnout Recovery

If you’re in a state of burnout that isn’t being controlled by your current efforts, it’s time to step up the self-care. First, make a list of all your stressors, not just at work but in your personal and family life as well. Stressors aren’t necessarily negative things. They’re things that take your time and attention. For example, if you’re preparing to move to a nicer home, or if you’re shuttling your child to sports competitions, those are both good things, but they tap into your finite energy reserves.

Next, for each stressor, brainstorm ways to handle it more effectively. For example, can you join a car pool for your youngster’s sports team? Does it make more sense to hire someone to help you with the remodeling project?

Finally, step up your personal relaxation. What little things can you do every day to take care of yourself? A morning or evening meditation, a walk outside at lunch time, or even some time to unwind by doing nothing at all.

Take a Vacation

Companies offer vacation time for a reason. Everyone needs a break from work. Getting away for a while improves your job performance when you return refreshed and renewed. Always take your vacation time, and do it the right way. A vacation isn’t a true getaway if you’re on the phone to your boss or co-workers every day or working on your laptop every night.

If your workaholic side can’t resist staying connected, choose a vacation that forces you to leave your job behind. Phone calls and internet access are very expensive on cruise ships, and you won’t have any cell phone service or online access at all if you choose a remote location. If that’s what it takes to force you to relax, choose that type of vacation.

You may think you’re indispensable, but everyone is replaceable. Being a dedicated worker can help your earn more money and career prestige, but your employer isn’t likely to go out of business if you suddenly disappear.

Make your work one of your priorities, but not the only one. Keep personal well-being at the top of your list and you’ll do better in every part of your life.

About the author: Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with 16 years of experience in Human Resources and Corporate Training. She has a Master’s degree in counseling and writes on personal development topics for DegreeJungle.com.

image courtesy of patrickgensel

The Business of Valentine’s Day (Infographic)

Bryce Christiansen Blog, WorkLife Balance 9 Comments

Right now someone in your office is chatting with their fellow coworkers all about the sham Valentine’s Day is.

How it’s some Hallmark Holiday made in order for businesses to make a few more bucks.

And they might be right…

According to this infographic the average woman is planning to spend $85.76 for this special day, while the man will double that at $168.74.

Oh and don’t forget the pets.  They will get an average of $4.52 spent on them as well.

There are plenty of other statistics below.  Enjoy!

Special thanks to the folks at OnlineMBA for use of this image.

Click for full size

The Ultimate Work Life Balance Twitter Chat Roundup

Michelle Agner Blog, WorkLife Balance 11 Comments , ,

We had a great time on Monday’s #InternPro Twitter Chat. Hope you did, too!

If you haven’t been on a tweet chat before, it’s a bit like Twitter on steroids.  Participants pull up a tool like TweetChat and enter the hashtag associated with the chat, in our case it was #InternPro.  Then the chat starts, a set of questions are tweeted and dozens of tweeters share answers, respond to others, or tell stories.

Being a Twitter chat newbie, it took me a few minutes to orient myself among all the ideas, comments, thoughts & questions spinning across my screen. But fortunately I caught on before things really got rolling.

Mark and his team did a fantastic job guiding the conversation on work-life balance. Our specialists at the Balanced WorkLife Company were featured  guests, but the other attendees shared plenty of great input and ideas, too. It was a great opportunity for us to hear about first-hand struggles, as well as success stories. What a supportive environment!

In case you missed it, I captured the list of questions along with a few of the tweets I found insightful, helpful, or just plain entertaining. Enjoy!

#InternPro Work Life Balance Twitter Chat

Q1: In your current routine, can you last an evening 100% unplugged? Or take a day off without checking your work email?

@a_rising I’m highly attached to all my devices! It’s hard to let go at times

@ilovegarick: I exist online.. sometimes my servers are down for maintenance though.

@bberg1010 A1. Hard to say since most of my “me time” activities involve tech too. Like most others, I probably could but don’t want to!

@KiaraRobinson A1: I can most likely go without checking my e-mail but I can never completely disconnect!

@amyruberg A1 No, but I can decide what’s important to answer now, what can wait ’til tomorrow. I like having a head’s up for the next day.

@Pynda0 A1. Someone once told me the world would end if I did. I have yet to find out if it would really happen :o )

Q2: Has technology and social media made the “American Dream” workday (9 to 5) obsolete? Do we know when to stop?

@Stephen_Warner A2: I really think it has…I get upset if someone does not answer an email, even after 5 pm because of all the technologies

@Aheaders A2 If your aim is 9-5, youre making it too easy to feel slighted about work/life balance. Youre being as inflexible as work! #internpro

@DillonRhodes A2- My #1 goal this year to have a more distinctive separation between work time & personal time#internpro

@KatieGrivna Q2: We have to remember it’s still OK to use the 24-hours-to-reply rule. #InternPro

@ebonstorm #internpro – technology does not promote a 24/7 work environment. Your corporate masters do. You need to manage their expectations.

Q3: What are the specific signs – physical, mental and emotional – that indicate your work and life are out of balance?

@ScottKeenan27 A3: Everyone around me gets dumber and super irritating.

@TomBolt: A3: Example of bad balance-Sunday brunch w/wife and we are BOTH on a smartphone. Or is it a stupidphone.

@Pynda0 A3: when you can no longer have a verbal convo at dinner you text or email one another

@MRGottschalk A3 Trouble sleeping and lack of focus are the complaints I hear the most…

@DillonRhodes A3- When you are at work and wish you werent from the 1st step in and when you cant forget it when at home either

Q4: To pursue work-life balance, must we develop – and pursue with equal passion – goals for our personal lives and careers?

@amyruberg A4 Personal & career goals may not be concurrent, one takes priority, then need to nurture the other–truebalance hard for me.

@Aheaders A4 You dont need goals everywhere in your life to have balance. Life is default. Everything that isn’t work is your life!

@MichaelCarusi: A4 What about blending your career and hobby? When does one start and the other begin

@ScottKeenan27 A4 Work goals are why you are working so hard….life goals are why you live so hard…you need both.

Q5 Are flexible work environments, virtual roles & entrepreneurism, a solution to work-life bal problems or a cause?

@ebonstorm – A Results Oriented Work Environment can be a productivity booster when the team is well managed with clear expectations.

@cachinko A5: They’re as much a problem as they are the solution. It’s all in how people use the tool – to help or just to stress out.

@MichaelCarusi: A5 There doesnt have to be a rigid wall between work and life. People can combine and still be off the clock.

@KiaraRobinson A5: Work-life balance is both a choice and a commitment. It doesn’t always come easy!

@profkrg A5: It depends a lot on the person. Some people are just better at setting boundaries. Others must learn and practice doing so.

Q6: With employers relying on fewer employees to get the work done, how do we work with employers to find balance?

@BWLCompany A6: The ? is since hours are limited how do you get the business result? Focus, Priorities, and Tools.

@Recruit4u It’s a delicate balance today w/less workers&increased workload. It is about flexibility and communication..that’s how we do it

@DillonRhodes A6- Similar priorities, realistic deadlines, having the right tools available, both willing to try new approaches, etc

@Tarantino4me A6. Boundaries and raw, open/constructive dialogue.

@YouTernMark: Good employers know there is a significant ROI around work-life balance. Aspire to work for those guys.

Q7: What are the tools and techniques that enable you to unplug, walk away for a few hours each day… and refresh?

@TomBolt A7: Music! Soothing distraction. Make time for music uninterrupted.

@YouTernMark A7: Put the damn smartphone down and go outside… play… laugh… even 10 minutes makes a world of difference.

@KiaraRobinson A7: I actually go all day without charging my electronics and let them die. While they recharge, I cook dinner and unwind!

@baileymtuck A7: The people I surround myself with. They help me break away from my hectic work life and bring me back to reality.

@Aheaders A7 A very, very firm belief that I am a better worker/person if I have balance than if I don’t. You have to believe that.

@BWLCompany A7: Try a confidence focus. Write down before you shut off, everything that is working that drives your confidence.

@ebonstorm #internpro – If you cant walk away, get a timer. Set it for 50 minutes. When it rings, reset it for ten minutes. Return when it rings.

Q8: Describe your work-life balance: A) Tricycle B) Using training wheels C) Look Mom, no hands! D) Juggling from a unicycle

@profkrg A8: A on a good day. D on a bad one.

@TheResumeSmith A8) Look Mom, no hands! But occasionally I do crash and have to get back on the bike.

@KiaraRobinson A8: Using training wheels. I could use a bit more life and a little less work

Q9: (Last one!) After this #InternPro chat on work-life balance, what will you do differently?

@WannaBMarketing Find a few minutes every day to go outside & unplug! Pay more attention to personal goals.

@ResumeDrEliz A9: More gardening. Leave the office for my lunch break more often. Schedule some fun time during my day;)

@Nailah_Ali A9: Take a break and be happy about it.

@GLOWConsulting A9. Create “white” space in my schedule

@MarieSTLclaire A9 pay more attention to my work/life balance…this discussion brought awareness Good Night all!

How Do I Join A Tweet Chat?

I recommend you try attending a Tweet Chat some time.  It’s a great way to network and grow your reputation.

#InternPro holds a weekly Tweet Chat every Monday at 9pm ET.  They always have a great topic that will have you better prepared as a worklife professional.

Feel free to answer your fave of the questions above in your comments.

Image courtesy of Spencer E Holtaway.

Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career

Bryce Christiansen Blog, Understanding Yourself, WorkLife Balance 9 Comments , , , ,

When I heard these words a week ago my eye’s sparkled and something in my brain went, “Yep, you’re clicking that.”

What I saw next has stuck with me since.

So I’m here today to share what I saw and why you too “will fail to have a great career.”

An Economist’s View On Careers

What I saw that day was a video on TED from economist Larry Smith.  And he laid it out straight,  “I’m an economist, I do dismal”.

He went on to make it clear who his audience was, “I’m not talking to those who want ‘good’ jobs, or ‘okay’ jobs. I’m talking about those who truly want ‘GREAT’ jobs.”

“Oh, people who want ‘good’ jobs will fail as well,” he went on to say.  “Because good jobs are disappearing.  There are great jobs and great careers… and there are high workload, high stress, blood sucking, soul destroying kinds of jobs…and nothing really in between. So people looking for good jobs are going to fail.”

So if we’re doomed from at least having a good career…what’s stopping us from having a “great” career.

No matter how many times we are told to find your dream, your passion, we don’t find it.

Pursuing your passions has become one of the biggest cliches of the universe, yet we ignore it and make excuses.

Our first excuse, “Great careers for most people are a matter of luck.” I’ll do the right things, study the right courses, and if I’m lucky I’ll have a great career.  If not, at least I’ll have a good career.  But, Larry Smith already told us “good” careers aren’t possible so that won’t work.

Excuse number two, “Yes, some people pursue passions but they’re geniuses.” We tell ourselves, “I’m no Steve Jobs.  I don’t have the brains to carry out my passion.”  We tell ourselves we’re competent, but in 2012 competence doesn’t get you “great” jobs.

Excuse number three, “I would do it…but I’m not weird.” We see successful people as walking a fine line between madness and genius.  They are a little crazy, mean, odd, quirky, strange, and different.  But you…you’re normal.  So you can’t possibly be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Oprah Winfrey.

Excuse number four, “Mommy and Daddy taught me that if I work really hard I’ll have a great career.” Oh sure, the world will give you plenty of opportunities to work REALLY hard, but does that honestly give you a great career?

Excuse number five, “I have an interest.” Men, would you approach the women of your dreams, bow down on one knee and then exclaim at the top of your lungs, “Marry me…you’re interesting?”  Why are you studying the major you picked, was it because you had a passion for that subject…or did it just interest you?

Some of you will find your passion…but you still won’t do it.

Yes, some of you will find what you love and are passionate about, but will drop it for your next excuse.

“I want to value human relationships over a great career…”

You’ve just made yourself a hero no matter what happens.

You’ve given yourself the ultimate excuse for not having a “great” career.

If you fail now, at least you were a good person.

And you’ll pass on the same things to your children

Your kid one day will come up to you and say, “Dad, Mom… I want to be a magician.”

And you’ll tell them, “It’s risky…It doesn’t make much money…You’re good at math, you should try that.”

And he’ll look at you with his puppy eyes and plea, “But it’s my dream!”

To which you will have to tell him, “Look kid I had a dream too once but…”

What do you say?

“I had a dream too once but… I was afraid to pursue it.”

Or.

“Look kid I had a dream too once…but then you were born.”

‘Do you really want to look at your spouse…your family and see jailors?’ Larry asks.

Don’t you wish you could say, “I had a dream too son, go for it… just like I did.”

But you won’t be able to say that because you didn’t.

And so the sins of the parents are visited on the children.

Why will you seek refuge in human relationships as your excuse not to find and pursue your passion?

You know why.

Because you’re afraid…

to pursue it

to look ridiculous

to try

to fail.

“Great friend.  Great spouse.  Great parent.  Is that not a package…not who you are…can you be one without the other?” Smith asks.

“But you’re afraid, and that’s why you will not have a great career”

Unless….unless.

Watch the TED Talk

image courtesy of Alex E. Poimos and mrpunto

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