Work hard, play hard

Two Rules:
Rule number one: Life is more important than "insert employer name here".

Rule number two: Remember Rule Number one.

We like our jobs. Most days. But they are our jobs. We have determined our careers, studied to be in them, get fulfillment out of them, but they are our jobs. We have a life outside of them, and we are okay with that, actually, we prefer it that way.

I have always thought I would be fairly career- focused. I've always worked really hard and it has gotten me far! I did well in college, and then again in grad school, got a job right away, have always gotten great recommendations from supervisors, etc. Don't get me wrong, I still, and always will, continue to work hard. But while searching for a job, preparing for a marriage, starting a new job and a new marriage at the same time- that I have priorities. My job is a priority, but my family and friends, and tending to those relationships is higher. And so is tending to myself.

I have learned that a job can take over your life unless you set personal boundaries, limits, and schedules. It is rare to have a supervisor tell you to go home, not stay late, that it is okay to not finish that project today. I've gotten luck with a supervisor that supports balance, but it is up to me to determine all of this.

I schedule meetings around things like working out and dinner with friends. Already have dinner plans? Then you are not available at that time, as opposed to cancelling your plans. I take work out classes because they are easy to schedule in. I go back to work after the gym when I need to- but I've still accomplished things for myself when I need to.

DO schedule things like dinner or drinks with friends or your significant other. Have other things in your schedule as well. We are in a volleyball league. I need to be there or else I'm letting the team down! Having someone to be accountable to can really help this. My husband helps my balance- we both notice if we haven't seen each other a lot lately! We live together for goodness sakes! So if it isn't a spouse- make yourself accountable to someone else (a book club, a workout buddy, a drinking buddy, a church, volunteering, etc).

Some work projects have deadlines or are high importance- that's when I end up working late, etc. But there are definitely work projects that will still be there on your desk for you to work on tomorrow. There is always going to be work to do. Leave your to-do list unchecked, go home, and tackle it tomorrow when you can.