As the school year begins, families rearrange their schedules and face the challenge of balancing multiple duties. Managing work and family is a challenge for almost everyone, and finding stability can be extremely difficult. However, some coping strategies can help you through this.
Determine Your Priorities
It’s difficult to be everything to everyone when we have so many demands on our time. You may be juggling several roles and objectives in your life. You want to be a successful employee, have a happy couple relationship, and be an involved parent.
You may want to further your education, keep your home, contribute to your community, maintain a fitness regimen, or save for early retirement. Furthermore, you may be managing extended family issues, such as caring for aging parents or dealing with a family illness.
All of these things consume your time and energy, and they frequently clash. Because we only have 24 hours in a day, you may need to consider your values and beliefs.
If Possible, Go for Part-time Hours
Workplace flexibility can significantly reduce stress in a household. Consider part-time employment if it is financially feasible. That means less financial flexibility, but it may also mean a higher quality of life.
Again, you must think about your values and establish your priorities. If possible, discuss with your boss for flexible hours that will allow you to spend more time with your family.
Get Yourself Some Support
You must create some significant support both at work and at home. Because of societal mobility, not everyone has extended family support.
If you don’t have family in town, join the assistance of coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Have a couple of coworkers handle your children’s queries or situations when you are unreachable.
Consider Sharing with Other Families
Share your concerns with your family and neighbors who are also juggling work and home life. You will not only receive support from cooperation, but you also be able to share thoughts on how to manage your hectic schedules.
Look for opportunities to share duties with other parents. Take turns walking the kids to school, driving them to their after-school activities, and babysitting each other’s kids.
Be Present for the Moments
There will be special occasions in your children’s lives that occur before 5:00 p.m., such as a sports event, a school concert, or a speech. Most employers, managers, and clients have families of their own and are familiar with these family situations.
Communicate with your boss, explain why you need to be there, and have a plan in place for how they will handle your absence or how you will get the task done in some other way or at a different time. Perhaps you can collaborate with a coworker to spell each other’s names for important family events.
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