Strategies to Find Work/Family Balance

Work and family are often opposing forces, competing for your limited time, attention and energy. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the conflict between work and family and find more balance in your life.

If you have less conflict between your work and your family, you will have the opportunity to be both a better parent and a better employee. Here are some strategies to find more balance:

Find flexible work. Negotiate a better schedule with your current employer or find a new employer that offers flexibility. If you have some control over your schedule, you will be better able to meet the needs of your family and be successful at work. When asking for flexibility, make sure you focus on the benefit to your company, not just your own needs. Your request will more likely be granted if you can demonstrate that it is a sound business decision.

Take control of your time. Some basic time management skills can help you find more time in the day for both your work and your family. Start off by getting organized. Sacrifice some time to clean out your office and your house so you don't waste time looking for things. Invest in a planner or calendar to better manage your schedule. Eliminate things in your life that waste your time such as watching too much TV or surfing the Internet.

Scale back on housework. Your kids won't remember the dust bunnies in the corner when they grow up. They will remember that you had time to read a book to them before they went to bed each night. You will have plenty of time after your kids head off to college to clean up your house. Seriously consider what you can eliminate doing, or outsource around your home.

Re-evaluate your involvement in outside activities. How many hours each week do you spend attending meetings, or taking your kids to some activity? Take some time to re-evaluate outside activities, for both you and your kids. Only participate in those that are essential for your career or personal success and consider limiting the number of activities that your kids are involved in. As you make such decisions, try to find activities that allow parental involvement.

Working to build a more family friendly work arrangement can help you meet your family's needs. Further, when it comes to your home life, you must have your priorities in place. You can give attention to both your job and your kids, without neglecting either.

Lori K. Long, Ph.D. The Parent's Guide to Family Friendly Work (Career Press, 2007) www.familyfriendlywork.net /