BALANCING WORK & LOVED ONES
I am a workaholic. A lot of college students work compulsively hard for long hours. We start off by only taking the minimum four classes and still end up not having enough time to talk to love ones. Eventually we take on more classes, part-time jobs and relationships. This can be stressful. In hopes of you never having anxiety, here are five tips on how to spend more time with your loved ones while tackling a heavy workload:
WITH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Your partner, family and friends have to accept that you plan to put work first. You don’t have to always satisfy them. On the other hand, you will have to compromise with them. You have to understand why they may not understand why you’re always busy. You and your loved ones have to understand each other’s lifestyle choices. You have to be thoughtful of each other.
WITH FOOD
Eating is something that you will always have to make time for. So make the best of this time. Try scheduling a dinner date with your family. Go out and grab a bite to eat with your friends. Put some time aside to make a romantic meal with your significant other. As Alan Wolfelt said “food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate,” so go eat.
WITH TRUST
You and your loved ones have to have faith in each other. Your loved ones have to trust your judgment. They have to realize that your work schedule does not allow you to give them your full attention. They have to be fine with the idea of you making your own decisions and spending a little less time with them. You have to realize that your inability to see them often should not affect your bond. If you slept in and missed a good morning text, they should text you. Trust is the foundation of every relationship.
WITH ORGANIZATION
You have to be mindful of your schedule. You may have so much going on that you find it hard to remember all of the things you want to get done. You may want to spend time with your love ones but feel like if you do so you won’t have enough time to eat or sleep. This means there is no longer time to be spontaneous. Start using a calendar or a planner to make sure your day goes the way you intended for it to go. Also do not overwhelm or overbook yourself. Make sure to schedule your time wisely.
WITH TECHNOLOGY
Communication is essential in every relationship. Technology can be one of the best ways to communicate. If you can’t see your loved ones in person, give them a call or video chat them. This is a great way to be with them without having to physically be with them. You do not have to be in constant communication but asking, “How was your day” or sending, a “Good Night” text is important.
Having a social life while working can be difficult but it isn’t impossible. Try those five tips and see which ones work for you. Even if only one or two help, it will make a huge difference.
