FOMO and work-life balance

12 January 2017

By Clara Wilcox

What if I told you that by recognising one phrase, you could get a handle on your work-life balance? Would you believe me?

That it isn’t achieved by the rich and famous of the world. And no, this isn’t one of those patronising articles that states “you have the same 24-hours as Beyonce”.

It is very simply this:

FEAR OF MISSING OUT

This article is for you; the parent who is juggling your business and family.

What are you fearful of missing out on?

What do you think will happen if you aren’t available, or you take time for yourself? Do you think you will miss clients or new business? That you will not hit deadlines or your reputation will be impacted?

What is the worst that could happen and how could you prevent this happening?

Where does the pressure come from?

Modern technology means that we are constantly available; that we have to literally “shut off” our devices to be given some free time. But, just because we CAN be contacted immediately, does it mean that we should?

What is driving you to work the way you are?  Are you so passionate about your business that it “leaks” into other time? Or do you feel pressurised and stressed and concerned about how your business will develop?

Permission to do what YOU want to do.

What I want you to ask yourself now is, “Do I have the work-life balance I want?”

If you are happy, and your family are happy, but others are saying things “should” change, then, very simply, listen to YOURSELF not others.

If you want to change, I am giving you permission to start this process NOW.

First things first

Decide the following:

1. What are you fearful of? Consider what you can do to overcome this worry?
2. What are your working hours? Make sure that these are public, through your site, or your Facebook page. Set your boundaries!
3. Set expectations. Make it clear that you won’t be available outside of these times and even include this on an automated email response
4. Manage your diary: Don’t say “Yes” immediately. Schedule your work to suit all your deadlines. Ultimately, if someone isn’t prepared to wait for you to be available, then they were never “your client” in the first place.
5. You are in charge: You can make changes for the people and circumstances you want to. Some clients will get your direct mobile number and you may want to log in on your emails at a weekend. That is your choice!

What is the first thing you will change today? Note it down, make it happen, and diarise some “you” time!

 

If this is easier said than done and if you need some career advice, flexible working advice etc then I am on the forum all week and you can leave me a question to answer. 

Clara

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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