The oh so hopeful phrase “work-life balance” carries with it the idea that somehow, somewhere jobs that make work-life balance possible actually exist. But many of you reading this right now are thinking “Oh yeah? Not with my boss!”
Adding to workaholic bosses and companies that set high productivity goals, the internet and mobile phones have theoretically made us available 24/7 for far too many jobs.
Even if we get to sleep uninterrupted, an urgent email or text may already be waiting for you when you open your eyes. Or may arrive just as you’re heading to bed.
Australia work-life balance law
Recently Australia’s new “right to disconnect law” took effect. The idea is to codify and support a person’s need for downtime. From the NexisLexis website:
“The ‘right to disconnect’ legislation is designed to regulate and set limits on out-of-hours communication between employers and employees. Rather than banning all forms of after-hours contact, the law focuses on … reasonable boundaries to protect employees’ personal time.”
I applaud the idea, but of course many jobs need to know they can reach you beyond office hours. And many bosses may have a different definition of “urgent” — or simply forget to see you as having a life beyond work.
Studies have shown how important downtime is for employee health and job satisfaction. And also for the quality of work they turn out. But if an employer deems it a work emergency or in some way a reasonable request, the lines are not so clear.
You’ve got to set boundaries
Most important of all the boundaries to help make work-life balance possible are the ones you carry in your head. While you usually can’t change a work culture or a results-driven boss, you need to set limits in your own mind … with a touch of flexibility.
This may sound easier said than done, but your mind is a powerful ally. If you carry a clear picture of not taking on more than you can handle as a whole — even with unavoidable times of extraordinary effort — then you can help create your own work-life balance.
“NO” makes work-life balance possible
The tiny word “no” can frequently act as a major ally in your quest for that balance. Even if first only in your head as an option. While not always the way to go and certainly not to be abused, there are ways of saying no to a boss that still keep you on their good side.
Remember that this is about balance and not shirking your work. You still need to do the job. But, if you’re already busy with other projects, don’t leap into those extra “yes” replies just to please the boss.
And certainly make it clear what you are working on since sometimes they forget. “I’m in the middle of ____ but if you need help I should have that done by ___.” Or something like “I don’t think I can take that on now with all my deadlines. But I’m available to offer ideas if needed.”
Let’s return to your brain
There will always be times when you can’t say “no” … or know it’s not wise to. But some people are not great at even believing they deserve boundaries. And this can wind up guiding decisions they make as well as the perception of who they are … and what they’ll accept.
You have to have the work-life balance possibility planted firmly in your head. From day one. It helps you make choices about where to devote your time and how much extra you can take on.
More work does not always mean more advancement in a job. Many people think showing how dedicated they are to their workload will get them seen as winners. Maybe sometimes. But often it gets you seen as a workhorse!
⇒ Why Work Hard Is NOT Always the Key To Success
A few more thoughts
For sure there are bosses who will try to overwork you. And sometimes you can’t say no and still keep the job. Whether that works for you is your decision. But you can make sure that you at least try to schedule time for yourself and for your home life.
At the office, work meetings can eat up your day. As can drop-in requests for help. So try setting “self appointments” in your calendar to give you time for yourself … and to get the actual work done.
As for time away from the office, maybe set a call / text cutoff time with your boss. Real emergencies can go beyond that time, of course. But you need to make it known that you do need some off-the-clock time. Sometimes just not answering if NOT urgent gets the idea rolling.
Above all YOU need to make sure you respect your colleague / boss boundaries too. You don’t want to set an example to them that shatters your own boundaries. Save your work discussions and brilliant ideas for work hours whenever possible.
More posts to help
How I Negotiated a Four-Day Work Week
What Makes a Job Good?
Dreaming of a New Job Where the Grass Is Greener?
7 Reasons We Stay In Bad Jobs
Daring To Imagine a Different Life!
20 Ways You Can Improve Your Job and Career
What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted
How To Deal With a Bully Boss
6 Healthy Things You Can Do At Work (In a Few Minutes)
Working With Chronic Fatigue: A Balancing Act
Sometimes You Just Have To Breathe Out
How To Take a Nature Break at Your Desk
And if you do need to quit your job
How To Quit a Job (Without Hurting Yourself)
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