It’s hard enough finding a company offering competitive compensation, opportunities for growth, inclusivity, flexibility, transparency, great culture, sustainability and much more. However, many job hunters are so busy finding a job that they often forget the importance of personal well-being. All of us want to thrive professionally AND personally. Here are some practical strategies to put you on the right track.
- Define the Work-life Balance you Seek:
For some, work-life balance means 9-5 hours, so your personal pursuits are not pushed to the side. To others, flexibility during the day is critical, so you can run home and walk the dog. Before you even start your job search, make a list of your personal needs. Here are some things to consider but feel free to add more:
- List your critical non-work activities: What hobbies, pursuits, or prior commitments are necessary for you to thrive? Perhaps you are attending school and need evening flexibility, weekends off, and no overtime to make getting to class feasible.
- Ideal work schedule: What hours are you seeking that will allow you to pursue personal interests and commitments?
- Distance to work: How long are you willing to spend traveling to and from work?
- Assess the Job Description Carefully:
A great job description tells a story. Review the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the JD carefully. Look for anything that might indicate a work-life imbalance:
- Excessive travel requirements: Frequent travel can make it challenging to maintain pursuits outside of work.
- Constant being on-call: Being perpetually “on” can lead to burnout.
- Unrealistic deadlines or workloads: These can create chronic stress and pressure.
- Target Companies with a Culture of Balance:
Research a company’s culture before you apply. This is not always easy but look for clues that suggest a commitment to a balanced work life. Here are some sources.
- Employee reviews can help: Websites like Glassdoor and Google reviews can be a strong indicator of management attitudes towards work-life balance.
- Digest the company’s website and social media: Search for employee wellness, flexible schedules, or initiatives that promote work-life balance.
- Networking: Use your network or connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to get firsthand perspectives on company culture. I cannot stress this enough. There is no better way to acquire work-life balance information than from people that have worked for the company.
- Set Boundaries from Day One:
Even after you land the job, maintaining a work-life balance requires continued effort. Establish clear boundaries from the start:
- Communicate your availability: Politely and professionally, set reasonable expectations by letting your colleagues know when you’re available to respond to messages.
- Disconnect after work: This is a tough one. We all need to do a better job of resisting the urge to constantly check emails. I know this is difficult, especially when you are the new kid on the block, but it’s crucial for a good work-life balance. I have trouble with this, and many others do as well…but try!
Finding the right work-life balance is an ongoing journey. By defining your work-life needs and setting clear boundaries, you can find a role that allows you to thrive personally and professionally. SP
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