Achieving a work life balance
Choose flexible working
If you're working full time, you probably know all too well how little time you have to embrace all the other aspects of your life. Your family and friends. Enjoying your home. Healthy eating and exercise. Sleep, oh blissful sleep. And did anyone mention, having fun?
But you don't have to resign yourself to the daily grind. Instead you could look for a more flexible job, or ask your employer for a flexible working arrangement.
That could mean working part-time - either working shorter hours each day, or fewer days per week. Or it could involve having flexi-time, working from home or job sharing with another employee.
Find the working pattern to suit you
Some people even choose to work longer hours for fewer days each week, or to work term-time only. It entirely depends what's workable for both you and your employer. And yes, it may mean taking a pay cut. But only you can decide the price of your health and happiness.
It's worth remembering that anyone can ask for flexible working - although it's not an automatic right to have your request accepted.
Who's entitled to request flexible working?
In particular, your right to request flexible working is protected by law if you've worked for your employer for at least six months and you have a child under six, a disabled child under 18, or you are caring for an adult spouse, partner, relative or other person who lives at your address5.
For more information about how to apply for flexible working arrangement, go to the Directgov.uk website.
Having it all needn't mean doing it all
If you're determined to continue working the same hours, there are of course other ways to lighten your work-load.
Our mothers and grandmothers may have fought for equality, but after a long day's work and with a long evening's housework ahead of you, you may wonder if it's such a fair deal after all.
Leave a comment
To leave a comment, you need to login or register:
Login...
Register...