-
September 11, 2024
Balancing Career Growth and Personal Life – Tips for Women by Omoyeni Babatunde
When it comes to career and personal life, is there such a thing as balance? Can they truly be split 50-50? If not, are we deceiving ourselves when we talk about “work-life balance”—in this case, balancing career growth and personal life?
Career growth goes beyond clocking in at work daily; it often requires a deliberate effort to assume more tasks and roles while navigating obstacles with persistence and determination in mind. Did I emphasize on “consistency”? Indeed I did because without a continued effort to improve and excel can we really say there is growth? With that said, pursuing career growth entails dedicating more of our time and energy to meet the demands that come with it. If work-life balance in itself is tedious, is it then impossible to balance career growth and personal life?
Women who are successful in their careers are often referred to as “boss ladies”. People most often imply that these women’s homes or relationships suffer for the time they commit to their careers or at work. This raises questions about whether women are expected to prioritize either career success over home life—or vice versa, amidst predominantly male-dominated industries where women often need extra effort to be recognized as a talent let alone an outstanding one.
Personally I believe you do not have to choose you can have them both; hence the significance of maintaining a sense of balance. A few points will be discussed below.
- Redefining Balance:
The first step towards achieving balance is redefining its essence, and what it means to us. When we say balance, we don’t necessarily mean an equal division of time or effort between aspects of our lives. It is about finding harmony that fits into our unique circumstances. At some point, work will require more from you, and on other days, family will require more. Instead of aiming for a perfect 50-50 balance, aim for a flexible approach that allows you to adjust based on the immediate needs of both areas of your life.
Such flexibility requires honest communication with colleagues as well as spouses or partners, and family members as the case may be. By clearly stating expectations about availability and boundaries individuals can avoid the guilt associated with trying to juggle all responsibilities at once. It’s okay to ask for support, delegate tasks, or even say no when necessary. I like to believe “No” is a complete statement.
- Intentional Time Management: Quality Over Quantity
Mastering the art of time management helps to prioritize what we truly hold significant and emphasizes quality over quantity. When it is within your control be strategic about the projects you take on at work, ensure that they align with your career goals, and will offer opportunities for development and leadership.
Focus on spending meaningful time with your family and friends rather than just clock-watching the hours spent together. Focus on building bonds and cherished moments by putting away any distractions that may come between you and the people you care about. Whether it is going on an exciting weekend outing, sharing a meal, at the table, or simply reading a bedtime tale to your loved ones – these moments strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
- Setting Boundaries: The Power of Saying No
Being mindful of career growth usually comes with certain expectations that cause us to prove ourselves leading to excessive commitments and eventual burnout. It is therefore essential to have some boundaries. Learning to say “no” can be done not only at work but also when dealing with family members or friends. Yes, you might sometimes need to explain the reason for your unavailability but must often than not “No” is a complete statement.
When it comes to your time and energy, be intentional. Setting boundaries might also mean delegating household tasks or carving out personal time for self-care and rest.
By respecting your boundaries, you set an example for others to respect them too. This approach contributes to preserving your general well-being and vitality enabling you to excel in both your professional and personal endeavors.
- Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Self-care is often ignored but plays a major role in managing a successful career, alongside personal well-being. You can’t give when you’re running on empty! Prioritizing your physical health is key; involves but is not limited to exercising regularly and eating healthy while getting enough rest and engaging in activities that bring relaxation and rejuvenation.
Caring for oneself involves setting aside time for hobbies and interests beyond work and family commitments. Whether it is reading, gardening, painting, or any other activity, these moments of joy and relaxation can significantly reduce stress and increase overall happiness.
- Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
Fortunately, we live in a technologically advanced world that provides us with advantages. Utilizing productivity tools enhances both our work and personal lives, such as time management applications, which efficiently organize work responsibilities and could help free up time for personal obligations and interests.
For instance, using tools for managing projects can assist in arranging your work duties and digital calendars can guarantee that you remember significant family occasions well ahead before they are due. Moreover, it is wise to schedule reminders, for self-care activities to ensure they’re not overlooked when you’re busy. Sometimes they are overlooked
- Building a Support Network
Balancing career growth and personal life is not something you have to do alone. Don’t get me wrong, it is indeed a personal journey but doing it with an effective support system hits differently. It provides one with people to lean on during tough times, celebrate successes with, and remind you of your worth beyond your career.
It is also very important to look for mentors or colleagues who understand your goals and can provide guidance or help you manage workloads.
Conclusion
Balancing career growth and personal life is a continuous journey, not a destination. There will be times when you feel you’ve got it all together and times when it feels overwhelming. That’s okay. The key is to remain flexible, be kind to yourself, and understand that perfection isn’t the goal—fulfillment is. Yes, you can thrive in both your career and personal life. Remember, having an amazing career, a loving family, and relationships that thrive without sacrificing one for the other is possible. You don’t have to choose; you can have it all.
Written by: Omoyeni Babatunde, GTC Ambassador – Lagos
HAVE YOU JOINED THE HILL APP? It’s the largest global platform that connects businesses to female talent.
Download from the App Store or the Google Play Store.