Building a better work-life balance

What many people struggling with work-life balance don’t realise is that this balance isn’t simply about having more free time. It’s about creating the mental space, as well as the physical space, to be able to succeed in your job, as well as in your relationships, and in pursuit of your personal interests and passions. 

Here are three ways you can achieve a better work-life balance and improve your return on life.

Even if you are not your own boss, you probably have more control over your daily schedule than you appreciate. Small changes such as adjusting your sleep schedule can generate valuable time to do other things, like exercising, reading, enjoying dinner and a meaningful conversation with your spouse, or finding extra work for a hobby. 

To some level, you also have the power to set “non-negotiables.” This may mean filling in your blank calendar at the start of the year with family celebrations and holiday days before committing to anything else. Or it could mean setting a strict time to switch off your devices and focus on your family, personal life, and hobbies.  

If your boss makes these commitments impossible, remember that there are other jobs out there. Flexible working conditions have become more expected, and there will be others that are happy to let you leave earlier for a family commitment or have a day off to celebrate a birthday – they may even pay better. 

How are you measuring your progress towards your goals – both personally and professionally? It’s all about balance remember, so if you’re ticking off your work checklist but getting up early to do so and missing the morning swimming session that’s so vital for your mental well-being, then you need to look back to your schedule. 

Accountability is another good way to measure progress. This could mean having a mentor at work who’s had the kind of career you desire or a personal trainer to keep you motivated at the gym. Working with a financial advisor can help you stay on track towards short-term financial goals, like buying a new house, while progressing towards long-term security in retirement. 

What you want to accomplish in your 20s is probably very different from what you wish for in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, and as you near retirement, you are likely to reconsider what you want from life all over again without the prospect of full-time employment.

As we approach the end of 2022, put aside some time to consider what you’ve accomplished during the year, as well as what you didn’t quite achieve. 

Have you spent enough time with family and friends? Do you have a hobby you want to improve at, or is there something new you would like to try? 

Asking what you are working towards and why can set you back on the path to getting there.

Our lifestyle financial planning process gives you the flexibility to grow and adapt along with your goals, your career, and your family. We are always happy to have a talk about what a good work-life balance means to you and how you can get the most fulfilment from life possible. 

Pension plans are all different and can offer freedom and flexibility depending on your circumstances. When you need to start thinking about accessing your savings, there are far more options than there used to be. A flexible pension may allow you to access your money from the age of 55, but this may of course change in the future. You may decide to leave your savings to accumulate, or access some of them while continuing to work. Whatever your situation though, we are always here to advise you on how to draw the money you have saved in the most beneficial and tax-efficient way possible.

This article does not constitute financial advice and should not be construed as such.