While the advice isn’t ground breaking, it’s simple and, to me, it gets to the heart of the things we need to examine before we decide on any work situation.

The first entry on the list spoke to me:

1. Work out what matters

The first rule of balancing work, family and lifestyle commitments is to be realistic about your needs and goals. It’s far better to know that you won’t be able to manage on a part-time salary before you’ve started discussions with your employer than to realise halfway through.

It’s crucial to be realistic.

Sure, there’s lots of things someone can do regarding work and family, but should they be doing them?

Things tend to fall into place a little better when we’re honest with ourselves.

Before my 3rd child was born, I had a very stressful job, but it paid the majority of the bills. I had responsibilities on both nights and weekends, and I never knew when I was going to be home in the evenings during the week.

I had 2 children already, and I was doing it, but it took the 3rd one to make me realize I should take the chance of going a different direction with less pay but more flexibility. I knew I couldn’t and this took me a little longer to realize, didn’t want to keep doing what I was doing.

It turns out that my mother got sick not too long after that, and it became apparent why I made the right decision.

Post from: Blisstree

10 tips for better work-life balance