LIFELINE Employee Assistance Program

Articles

Finding the Balance

Balancing work and family is a delicate task. There is no doubt about it – the daily demands of work and family are equally important.  Most of us no longer have the freedom to choose whether to work or not.  Instead, work is what helps our families prosper and grow.  The real challenge is to find harmony in the daily balancing act.

Develop a Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude may help.  Ask yourself "Why do I work?"  Can you live with your answer?  If not, find a way to resolve this conflict.  The point is– you have more control over how you feel about your job than you probably realize.  The challenge is whether you are committed to a job future filled with stress or with pleasure. 

Find out about free coaching opportunities to help you get the most out of your job and strengthen your career.  Visit:  www.lifelineeap.com and click on About the LIFELINE Coaching Program

Take Control

You must accept the fact that you cannot accomplish everything you want to accomplish.  You must be able to set priorities for your time, and then follow through!  It may help to make a list of your top 5 or 6 things to do today.  Then rank them from 1 (most important) to 6 (least important). Make sure that your top choices aren't all one kind (all work-related or all family-focused).  Try to get through the first 3 items.  Add the rest of your tasks to tomorrow’s list or just forget about them.  Control your activities; don’t let them control you.

Another part of taking control is being proactive instead of reactive.   Anticipate the problems that may occur between work and home.  For example, if you are a caretaker for young children, what is your contingency plan if one of them gets sick?  Can you arrange for a family member or friend to watch them for the day?  Is there a local program designed for this purpose?  Check these things out in advance, for peace of mind. 

It may also help to clarify your situation at work to help you control your environment. Take the time to understand the work/family attitude of your superiors.  Remember that a successful attitude concerning work and family is cooperative – not adversarial. 

Make Time for Family 

Don't think that you'll find time to spend with your family.  You've got to make time for them, just like you make time for work-related projects.  Be sure to mark special family events on your calendar, and then block out that time to enjoy the activity. Plan for these times and work ahead so you won’t get behind.   If you plan in advance, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the time you’ve spent with your family and not have to feel guilty about work.  

No Magic Bullet

There is no one magic piece of advice for balancing your work and family.  But moderation is a key component.  If in doubt, try to err on the time you spend with your family.  After all, no one on their death bed has ever said, "I wish I had spent more time at work."   Great opportunities to make a difference in your family life seldom come along, but small ones surround us everyday.   Remember also that if you have a question about balancing work and home the LIFELINE program is available 24 hours a day at 800-284-7575 for confidential information and assistance. 

If you have a question about achieving  balance in your life , the LIFELINE program is available toll free 24 hours a day at 800-284-7575.  All calls are confidential.  Also visit www.LifeLineEAP.com

For questions or concerns about the LIFELINE program, contact the LIFELINE program administrator at 785-296-4304.