While it’s nice to have a regular gig, especially in this economy. A job can also take its toll on your quality of life. Whether it’s working into the evening or just having a boss that’s bad for your mental health. It can be an overall negative and something that you feel you just have to do for money.
Good news though is that there are ways to prevent your job from diminishing the quality of life. It’s all about long-term thinking and adopting the right approach.
Focus on Hourly Output
You’ll want to start by focusing on improving output per hour. Many people believe that they just need to work a long time to be successful, but usually you get 80% of your results from 20% of your hours.
You’ll find that when you focus on output per hour, you’re much more disciplined about how you use your time. You’ll also see opportunities to take on new projects because you’re not spending so much time on a single task in your regular job.
Give Yourself Time to Recharge
If you can give yourself time to recharge throughout the day then that can also help. Little micro-breaks every hour or so, like walking, stretching, and deep breathing, reduces tension and makes you feel like you could go on for longer without requiring so much effort. It’s only a little thing but many workers find that it’s a lifesaver. Just a quick trip to the water dispenser every 45 minutes can really work its magic.
Does Your Role Align with Your Values
It’s also a good idea to think about whether your role aligns with your values from time to time. If it doesn’t, it can drain your energy and lead to a sense of lacking control. This can be particularly negative if you have toxicity in your workplace.
Therefore, take a look at your options from time to time, and see if you can make adjustments or explore new opportunities. Sometimes going through this auditing process can be the best protection if your job is no longer serving you in life.
Calendar Your Life, Not Just Your Job
Another small change you can make is deliberately using your calendar as a way to organize your life, not just your work. This means that you can prioritize both work-related tasks and other things that might matter to you outside of that environment.
What’s interesting about this approach is that it allows you to add more activities to your life that you really enjoy. You are essentially valuing your time beyond just mere productivity.
You’re also keeping yourself accountable to yourself and others. If you’ve made a commitment to reduce the impact that work has on your life, then keeping a calendar of different events is one of the best ways to do this.
If you need a more flexible job, then there are plenty of options. Platforms like JobFlexy can help you find part-time work or jobs that allow you to work the hours you choose.
Learn to Say “No”
If you haven’t done so already, it’s also a nice idea to learn how to say no. The more you can avoid overcommitting, the less likely it is that your work is going to take over your life. If you have concerns about the number of hours you’re working, communicate it to a manager directly. Also, if work is being offered, refuse to take it on. Inform your managers or other members of staff that other people are more qualified to do the work that they want you to do.
If you don’t learn how to say no, it can lead to problems later on. People will see you as somebody that they can pile more work on to.
Prioritize Daily Self-Care
Another thing you’ll want to do is prioritize your daily self-care. People who allow their work to take over their health often experience massively diminished quality of life. If you’re somebody who’s prone to this sort of thing, make sure that your sleep, hobbies, and exercise are fixed appointments and don’t skimp on nutrition. If you can, organize the rest of your working calendar and schedule around this.
Protect Your Boundaries Fiercely
Finally, related to the last point, we want to protect your boundaries fiercely. Make sure you define your work now, as clear as possible, both to yourself and to your manager. Then only work in a dedicated workspace.
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