How do you keep a good work/life balance?
Ask a Biologist Monday 8/8/22
Answers from Biologists:
I prioritize following my body and what it needs each day.
I make my work hours well known to my colleagues.
I work irregular days and don’t have work email on my phone so I don’t get emails on my days off.
Find friends or hobbies outside of work.
I make sure that work isn’t my entire identity. I’m not just a biologist!
Notifications for work email are turned off when not at work.
Google Calendar helps me set boundaries.
Having a kid forces the issue. Limit travel, maintain a 40 hour work week or overtime/comp time.
Make sure to make time for things that interest you and you’re passionate about.
Therapy, exercise, social life, and boundaries at work.
Make friends with different jobs and interests.
If traveling for work on a weekend/non-work day, take days off in lieu.
My work email isn’t checked on my personal phone.
I quit a program that didn’t respect boundaries.
I leave my work cell at the office as much as possible (when not in the field).
When I’m burnt out in the field, I find fun indoor activities for the weekend.
I use my PTO when I have it.
Close all my tabs and shut down my computer at the end of the work day.
Take my full lunch and any breaks I’m allowed.
Having hobbies unrelated to work. I’m personally working on this.
Actually taking sick leave when I feel ill.
My government job rarely approves overtime work and my work email is inaccessible from personal devices.
After 10 years, I had to walk away. I lost my balance.
Left a job when I realized it was toxic and harmful to my mental health.
I make sure to cultivate an identity outside of work.
Don’t answer any sort of work related messages past my working hours.
I make very clear to my technicians what circumstances it’s okay to call/text me under when I’m off work.
I delegate my tasks/responsibilities when I’m not going to be in the office.
I do nothing work related after hours.
I take all of my PTO and all of my breaks.
Give yourself at least one thing to look forward to not work related every month (concert, dinner, day trip, etc.).
If I am in a position to do so (money, power, dynamics, etc.) I set very firm work boundaries.
I always ask in interviews about the work/life balance of the company/organization.
If I work extra hours one week, I take those off the next week (salaried position).
Try to have fun on weekends.
I’m not signed into work email on my phone.
Schedule activities soon after work so it forces you to leave at the “normal” time.
I clarify my work responsibilities when starting a new job and try to hold those boundaries.
