A Working Woman’s Guide to Maintain Work-life Balance

It has never been easy for women to juggle a thriving career and a happy family life. It still isn’t because being a full-time working mom comes with bouts of stress and guilt for not being able to give equal time to work and family.

This being said, it’s 21st century and women from all walks of life are choosing to have it all — a blissful family, a rewarding career and some solitude to find some time for themselves.

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It’s been more than seven years that I’ve been working professionally and now I’m heading the marketing team at ProofHub. Just like other women, I’ve had my share of struggles in striking the right work-life balance post marriage. But as they say that resilience is one of the greatest strengths of a woman, I stood my ground and stuck to the following tips to manage work and my four-year old son together. Feel free to take leaf or two out of my book and stay on top of the things.

1. Sort out your priorities

If you want to be a successful working woman, it’s important to have your priorities in order — both personal and professional. To figure out your responsibilities at different levels, ask yourself a few questions. What can’t be compromised or is completely non-negotiable? What are those tasks you must marvel at and the ones that can be just good enough? What are the most-important commitments at work and family? Getting clear on these answers will help you prioritize, make adjustments and decide what you are and are not prepared to do.

2. Talk it out with your employers

It’s beneficial to keep the communication lines open with your manager, HR, and superiors. Be hundred percent honest and transparent. Let’s say you can’t reach office on time because you have to drop your kid to school, they can help you out by keeping your work hours flexible. If that’s a problem, be prepared with alternative solutions to show how the arrangement won’t affect your performance and productivity.

3. Learn the art of delegation

There’s nothing wrong in acknowledging that you can’t do everything on your own and a little help could ease your enormous workload. By doing everything by yourself, you’re not only fatiguing your body but also preparing it for a breakdown in the future. Decide what you must do yourself and what others can take care of. Seek help from coworkers, spouse, and family members. You and your spouse can divide tasks in such a way that either of you don’t dread coming to home after a long working day at office.

4. Stay connected during the day

Thanks to technology that knowing the well-being and whereabouts of your loved ones isn’t a challenge anymore. All working mothers can easily stay connected with their children while they are working at office. If you’re missing your kids, you can make a phone call or even a video call during your lunch break and focus on work without any stress or tensions at the backend. This comforts the child that you’re near and also helps you get through a rough day at work.

5. Limit distractions and time-wasters

When you are a working woman, every minute is crucial — at work and home. You would be astonished to know that distractions at workplace can cost you more than three hours a day. If you want to be focused and productive, it’s essential to keep chatty coworkers, casual internet surfing, smartphones, and other distractions at bay. Set specific time limits to address emails and phone usage. At home, avoid watching too much of TV and instead, you can use that time to strengthen your bond with your partner and kids.

6. Draw a line between home and work

One of the greatest lessons life has taught me is to say NO to things that don’t align with your priorities. Believe me, it is the biggest mantra to successfully juggle your personal and professional life. Learn to set boundaries so that you can give your heart and soul to both the aspects of life. Leave work at work, don’t come home with it. While spending time with your kids and partner, don’t be on the phone sending emails or discussing work with coworkers. Be mindful of your personal relationships and start saying no to things that aren’t doing any good to us.

7. Make some time for yourself

Making out some time to do things you actually love is the secret to maintain a perfect work-life balance. Sometimes, it’s okay to think about yourself, have some leisure time and pamper yourself. Go to a spa, get a massage, watch reruns of your favorite TV series, read a book, travel solo, or just do nothing at all. Learn to take care of yourself because only then you would be able to take care of your family and your work.

The balancing act of working moms

All through these years, I’ve realized that maintaining work-life balance requires constant adjustments, compromises, and sacrifices. It’s better to be prepared and learn to make the most of your time and energy. The more you know yourself and your priorities the more balanced your life would be.

Do let me know your thoughts on this post and tips you use to maintain work-life balance.