Research shows that working hard to pursue achievements while making time for leisure is important for career success. Making a strong effort to pursue professional and personal interests each day means allowing enough time to work and relax. This lets you bring in enough income to support the lifestyle you want.
Begin Your Day Earlier
The sooner you start work in the morning, the sooner you can stop to enjoy personal activities. For instance, if your kids get home by 4 pm and you normally work till 6 pm, you may be able to stop at 5 pm and have more time to spend with them. Or, if you do not have kids, you may be able to stop work earlier and have more time to pursue hobbies or other leisure activities.
Maintain a Work Schedule
Whether you work remotely or at the office, be sure to keep set hours each day. Although it can be tempting to put in more hours if you work from home, this reduces your amount of time to relax. If your mind is constantly in work mode, it eventually will lead to burnout. This is why working the same hours each day is important. You can let your family members know your routine so they do not interrupt you. When your day ends, be sure to leave your work where it is and focus on your personal interests.
Take Regular Breaks
Schedule breaks at set intervals throughout your workday. Your mind needs time to rest and recover in order to be productive for long periods of time. You may want to take a walk, read a book, or listen to music while away from your workspace. Be sure to limit each break to 10 minutes and your lunch break to one hour. Otherwise, you may not get as much done as anticipated.
Remain Organized
Keep your schedule, workspace, and workflows organized to maintain productivity. This helps you finish your work before the deadline, arrive at meetings on time, and return phone calls and emails in a timely manner. Otherwise, you may lose valuable time searching for documents or locating passwords. Even if it is a few minutes here and there, the time quickly adds up each week.
Find a New Job
The beginning of a new year is a great time to change jobs. For instance, since many people retire at the end of the year, more positions should be available. Also, because most people are preoccupied with post-holiday activities, you should face less competition for the role you want. Additionally, employers likely have enough room in their budgets to provide the salary you want. Plus, working at your new job provides additional opportunities to achieve your goals throughout the year.
Find Your Perfect Fit
If you need help finding your perfect fit, start your job search with The DAVIS Companies. Visit our job board today.
