Work and Life balance: Is it possible today?

For a break, Nick* opens his facebook page and types, “Still at work, badly in need of a coffee.’ It’s 12:00 a.m. and workaholic Nick is still in the office. Only Nick has a family which includes two kids who see very little of their father. Work and life balance is easy to achieve; so Nick knows but hasn’t managed yet in his life.

Nick is not alone; it’s not unusual for people to stay back at work each day. Here, it isn’t much about the pay but rather an urge to achieve perfection at work, dedication, eye for promotion and/or sheer habit. And when these people get holidays they carry their laptops and iPhones with them, checking their mailbox every half hour. This, however, happens even when the office doesn’t require the employee to ‘be available’ for work.

In reality, is a balance between work and personal life possible? The answer is in the affirmative. Check out these doable measures:

Do some planning:

Prioritise your work. Make a list of things/tasks to do on a day. Planning takes just a few minutes but saves unnecessary tasks and worries. Once you learn to do proper planning, say getting up an hour early, you’ll notice that you have more time to spend. In fact, planning followed by action-limiting internet and television time-will in itself help you achieve balance between work and life.

Learn to say ‘no’

When your colleagues know that you are a ‘finisher’ they may throw some of their pending works at you. Until now you were the good guy ever willing to accept the load, but at what cost? So, don’t hesitate to say a polite ‘no’. A classic line you could follow is ‘I’d love to but...’

Have a meal with your family

Food consumption is a social activity which fosters bond among people. Try having at least one meal together as a family, be it breakfast or lunch.

Flexible shifts

Today, it’s not necessary to be physically present at the work place to work. Thanks to technological advances, you can work from home using a remote computer. Few hours at the office and few at home is one of the best ways to get close to your family. To top it all, you get to be happy and active with good bye to stress. Muster courage and ask your manager if flexible shift is possible.

Say adieu to workaholism

If you are the person who puts work before anything in life, then appreciate yourself. The world needs people like you, but define your boundaries. Dedicate yourself to your job and leave work at the office. The office, like or not, will go on even without you. Hence, resist the temptation to stay back every day.

Safeguard your social life

When you submitted your resume, you never knew that your Manger would use all the means you listed (mobile/landline/chat/mail/your friends) to locate you. Subsequently, are you being summoned at unearthly hours or during holidays to your office, then time to have a chat with the Manager. Tell him your unwillingness to be ‘at sight’ every time. If your office continues to disrespect you, time to look around for another job.

*Nick is imaginary, but you'll find him in any office

Countering the first day in office

Come tomorrow and it would be your first day in office. You are a volcano of emotions ranging from anxiety to happiness. You have to be because, the first day is a precursor to your bright future; remember the first day at college? So tomorrow a great day and you can, indeed, make it the best day of your life.
On the first day at work, believe it or not, you’d be scrutinised by many eyes. In fact even if a soul in the office doesn’t notice you, you’ll feel like a celebrity in a room full of paparazzi. And so, you’ll need self confidence to keep your head afloat. Clearly, your dress should be comfortable and help your confidence. Check out the dress code of the office you work for, if only formal dress is permitted follow it.
Plan to reach the office at least 20 minutes earlier than the office hour. Even if you get caught up in something unexpected, you’ll manage to get back on time. Punctuality is the expected and not the exceptional norm, and giving excuses for late coming is the best way to get into the bad books of your superiors.
Arrange your documents like tax details, bank account statements and documentation from previous employers. You’ll definitely need them on the first day. When the Finance department or HR asks for documents, prompt and clever you can hand it over cheerfully.
Now to the scenario in the office: Your HR was responsible for bringing you into the company. Forget that you didn’t like his scrutinizing gaze or uncomfortable questions, go to him to express your gratitude. The role of a HR doesn’t end with the recruitment but stays throughout and hence better to start off on a good note.
If you are planning to impress everyone with your great sense of humour-hold it. The last thing you want to do is offend somebody with your jokes. You don’t know the likes and dislikes of people around you and sensitive souls will hold grudges longer than you expect.
Meanwhile, be polite to everyone in the office. Remember to say thank you and please. Though tempting don’t try to compliment people unnecessarily on the first day. Also, avoid excessive fashion statements like big bracelets, dark shades and trendy jewellery. And, don’t forget to carry a pen, you may be living in a digital world but would still need a pen in office.
As you start working, you’ll be tempted to compare your last office to the present one. Don’t try to voice the differences between the companies. Each company will have a unique working style and it’s imperative that you follow the style. Even if you are free, don’t take frequent breaks and ask many questions. Both will irritate your superior.
Inevitably, on the first day, you’ll find your work very difficult or very boring. This shouldn’t let you make hasty judgements about the company and work. Getting into the grove of things will take time so just be prepared to work hard and enjoy your stay.