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How to balance work and family
Yes,
you can both have a family and a job. Whether you are a woman or a man,
it is possible to balance the responsibilities of both work and family.
This does not, however, mean that it is easy to do so. Here are some
tips to help you find that the balance that you crave and deserve:
• Balance between children and spouses –
realize that you do not just need to find time and energy to spend
with your kids, but with your spouse, as well. When you have children
and a job, it can be difficult to find time for a little romance.
Set aside some time at least once a week for just you and your spouse.
Hire a babysitter, or even just spend some time together after the
children have gone to bed, no matter how tired you are. While spontaneity
may be more romantic, sometimes setting up a schedule is more reasonable.
Note: while it is important to spend time as a whole family, it is
also very important to spend individual time with not just your spouse,
but with your children, too.
• Keep family and work spheres separate –
do not bring your work problems home with you or your family problems
to work with you. When you are with your family, you should not be
thinking about the client that you lost or the work you will need
to complete tomorrow – you need to be thinking about your family!
• Involve your family in your work – while you should
leave work at work and family at home, you can involve your family
in your work. Let them know what you do. Let them share in the excitement
of a promotion, etc. If possible, take your children to work with
you every once in a while, thereby allowing you to both work and spend
time with your kids.
• Get some sleep – yes, it can be difficult
to find time to sleep when you are trying to find time for work or
for your family, but if you are better rested, the time you spend
at the office and at home will be better spent. You’ll be able
to accomplish more work, and you will therefore be less stressed when
at home with your family. And you will be more aware when with your
family, as well, make the quality time you spend with them more quality.
• Arrange your work schedule to fit your family schedule
– work at home when possible. Get a job close to home
so that you do not have to waste time commuting. Find the time to
attend your children’s dance concerts and baseball games. Call
your family when you have breaks at work or when you are on a business
trip.
¬• Have your family at the office – not literally.
Instead, bring photos for your desk. Share stories about your family
with your co-workers on breaks (do not be excessive in your story-telling,
but do not be afraid to bring up the funny thing your five-year-old
said yesterday, etc.)
For more tips and ideas specifically for working mothers, check out:
http://www.bluesuitmom.com/food/
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