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How to do maintain a good balance between your personal and professional life?
I want to know more about how to maintain a balance as an adult with a career.
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7 answers
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Megan,
Keeping a good balance between personal and work life is super important for feeling good and enjoying your job! To make this happen, set clear work hours and let your work mates and supervisors know, so you can fully disconnect once the workday is over. I advice the use of calendars or planning apps to stay on top of deadlines and appointments, and don't be afraid to sometimes say no to extra tasks that can affect your balance. Schedule fun activities outside of work and make sure to block time in your calendar for them, so you can enjoy without any work interruptions. In my case, I always try to take care of myself with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep, and make time for hobbies to relax and recharge. Finally, keep checking in on your work-life balance and adjust as needed!
Keeping a good balance between personal and work life is super important for feeling good and enjoying your job! To make this happen, set clear work hours and let your work mates and supervisors know, so you can fully disconnect once the workday is over. I advice the use of calendars or planning apps to stay on top of deadlines and appointments, and don't be afraid to sometimes say no to extra tasks that can affect your balance. Schedule fun activities outside of work and make sure to block time in your calendar for them, so you can enjoy without any work interruptions. In my case, I always try to take care of myself with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep, and make time for hobbies to relax and recharge. Finally, keep checking in on your work-life balance and adjust as needed!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Megan
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Megan !
The way that people achieve a work/life balance is to just live your life. There's no real helpful answer to this. Only you will coordinate your career and personal life and give priority to what you personally believe is important. It's impossible to actually predict how your career will be and how your personal life will be. Life is spontaneous and episodic, so there's only one way to know and that's by experiencing it yourself for your career and your specific personal life.
While having a career, everyone's obligations are structured in different ways. Some people have family obligations, some people work third shift, there are different levels of stress demands for different jobs. We get this question often here and I am not sure what students are concerned with because people always do have time for work and things outside of work. Your life is what you make it based on what you want in your life.
It will help if you have understanding, supportive people in your life. Don't overbook yourself and definitely keep an appointment schedule so that you can schedule things that don't conflict or overload you. Work/life balance is something that my generation took for granted because it was never a problem. You just more or less did what you wanted and needed to do. Be careful of the commitments you make, know what the demands are and you can have an easy flow at work and at home. It's just something that happens while it happens !
To be honest, I am not even sure what work/life balance even means because it's all just "life". I would advise that if you are concerned about having the free time you want, be very aware of what your career will demand and decide if it will fit in with your personal life. Try to not worry about this too much because it's something you will know how to do and if you have any specific issues along the way, you can ask focused questions for advice.
I hope this is something to consider as you take your unique journey through your career !
The way that people achieve a work/life balance is to just live your life. There's no real helpful answer to this. Only you will coordinate your career and personal life and give priority to what you personally believe is important. It's impossible to actually predict how your career will be and how your personal life will be. Life is spontaneous and episodic, so there's only one way to know and that's by experiencing it yourself for your career and your specific personal life.
While having a career, everyone's obligations are structured in different ways. Some people have family obligations, some people work third shift, there are different levels of stress demands for different jobs. We get this question often here and I am not sure what students are concerned with because people always do have time for work and things outside of work. Your life is what you make it based on what you want in your life.
It will help if you have understanding, supportive people in your life. Don't overbook yourself and definitely keep an appointment schedule so that you can schedule things that don't conflict or overload you. Work/life balance is something that my generation took for granted because it was never a problem. You just more or less did what you wanted and needed to do. Be careful of the commitments you make, know what the demands are and you can have an easy flow at work and at home. It's just something that happens while it happens !
To be honest, I am not even sure what work/life balance even means because it's all just "life". I would advise that if you are concerned about having the free time you want, be very aware of what your career will demand and decide if it will fit in with your personal life. Try to not worry about this too much because it's something you will know how to do and if you have any specific issues along the way, you can ask focused questions for advice.
I hope this is something to consider as you take your unique journey through your career !
Pam Szivos
Manage projects and provide operational support for a customer service area
11
Answers
Updated
Pam’s Answer
This is a difficult question to answer because each individual has their own idea of what the balance between work and personal life should be. I have always struggled with this question, because I was raised to believe that moms stayed home with their children. I also believe that having a strong work ethic is important and you should always do your best at work.
My advice on how to keep a balance is to check in with yourself and your family on a regular basis to assess how you are doing. It is easier to adjust your actions when the scale begins tipping toward work than after you are spiraled out of control working a number of hours that are unsustainable. Also, keep your physical and mental health as a top priority. You are of no use to your work or your family and friends if you let your health suffer.
When you find and maintain that delicate balance of work and fun you will feel energized and satisfied, not exhausted and searching for your purpose.
My advice on how to keep a balance is to check in with yourself and your family on a regular basis to assess how you are doing. It is easier to adjust your actions when the scale begins tipping toward work than after you are spiraled out of control working a number of hours that are unsustainable. Also, keep your physical and mental health as a top priority. You are of no use to your work or your family and friends if you let your health suffer.
When you find and maintain that delicate balance of work and fun you will feel energized and satisfied, not exhausted and searching for your purpose.
Thank you!
Megan
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Megan,
You are attempting to accomplish the goal of every working person on earth. Putting a plan in place for life is a great idea. However you will need 3 plans: Plan A (original) Plan B (just in case Plan A doesn't pan out) and Plan C ( in case it all goes wrong). The funny thing is that most people go through life fearing failure, when it is actually our failures that will teach us the most. While you should never seek to fail, never stop yourself from taking wise chances. Learn from your missteps, prosper from what you learn. The bottom line is for you to be successful and happy in your career you must first be happy in your life. If you figure that all out, then the balance will be easier. GO FOR IT!
You are attempting to accomplish the goal of every working person on earth. Putting a plan in place for life is a great idea. However you will need 3 plans: Plan A (original) Plan B (just in case Plan A doesn't pan out) and Plan C ( in case it all goes wrong). The funny thing is that most people go through life fearing failure, when it is actually our failures that will teach us the most. While you should never seek to fail, never stop yourself from taking wise chances. Learn from your missteps, prosper from what you learn. The bottom line is for you to be successful and happy in your career you must first be happy in your life. If you figure that all out, then the balance will be easier. GO FOR IT!
Thank you, Doc for the advice.
Megan
Updated
Alex’s Answer
As the other respondents have said, Work/Life balance is a tricky thing to define. It looks different for everyone, as some folks get a lot of meaning out of their jobs, while others work to support their other interests. What has been important in my life and the lives of those I care about is to be aggressive about carving out time and space for just you. It can be a hobby or exercise, but no matter what, it should be a space where you aren't accountable to anyone else for a time. If at all possible, it should also be something away from a screen. Scrolling on social media apps is easy for your brain, but it won't help you find work/life balance.
For me, it has been especially helpful to find new skills to learn. The experience of trying (and messing up!) something new and different is exciting for me, and often has a creative or puzzle-solving aspect to it. It also serves as a space in my week where there aren't any expectations placed on me from colleagues, friends or family.
For me, it has been especially helpful to find new skills to learn. The experience of trying (and messing up!) something new and different is exciting for me, and often has a creative or puzzle-solving aspect to it. It also serves as a space in my week where there aren't any expectations placed on me from colleagues, friends or family.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Megan
Updated
Alvin’s Answer
I currently work as a consultant at one of the Big Four firms, which often involves working 50+ hours a week. While I am not a parent, I am a fiancé and a pet owner, and I also have a variety of interests outside of work. Balancing these responsibilities has taught me that time management often comes down to making intentional sacrifices.
As life becomes more complex, I've come to understand that it's not always possible to maintain the same level of social engagement I once had. However, this is a natural part of growing up—everyone has their own set of responsibilities to manage. It's really about identifying what matters most and focusing on the relationships and activities that bring a sense of fulfillment and personal identity.
Despite the demands of my role, I ensure that the people most important to me are prioritized, and I still find time to recharge and pursue the interests that make me feel like myself.
As life becomes more complex, I've come to understand that it's not always possible to maintain the same level of social engagement I once had. However, this is a natural part of growing up—everyone has their own set of responsibilities to manage. It's really about identifying what matters most and focusing on the relationships and activities that bring a sense of fulfillment and personal identity.
Despite the demands of my role, I ensure that the people most important to me are prioritized, and I still find time to recharge and pursue the interests that make me feel like myself.
Updated
Jess’s Answer
That’s such a great question, and honestly, it’s something a lot of us are still figuring out—even years into our careers.
For me, maintaining balance starts with being intentional. It helps to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, especially if you’re working remotely or in a role that can easily spill over into your evenings. I block time on my calendar for both work and personal priorities, and I try to actually honor those blocks. That might mean logging off at a set time, taking breaks throughout the day, or making time for things that help me recharge. Whether that’s exercise, time with friends, or just doing nothing for a bit.
One mindset that’s really helped me is the idea that in life, we’re all juggling different balls—some are glass, and some are rubber. The rubber ones will bounce back if you drop them, but the glass ones might break. Knowing the difference, and being okay with letting some things go temporarily, is a big part of staying balanced.
It’s also about learning to say no, which takes practice. You should push yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone but you don’t have to do everything or be available all the time. Knowing your limits and protecting your energy is key.
And most importantly, give yourself flexibility and grace. Some weeks will feel more balanced than others, and that’s normal. The goal isn't perfection—it's finding a rhythm that works for you and adjusting as your life and priorities shift.
For me, maintaining balance starts with being intentional. It helps to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, especially if you’re working remotely or in a role that can easily spill over into your evenings. I block time on my calendar for both work and personal priorities, and I try to actually honor those blocks. That might mean logging off at a set time, taking breaks throughout the day, or making time for things that help me recharge. Whether that’s exercise, time with friends, or just doing nothing for a bit.
One mindset that’s really helped me is the idea that in life, we’re all juggling different balls—some are glass, and some are rubber. The rubber ones will bounce back if you drop them, but the glass ones might break. Knowing the difference, and being okay with letting some things go temporarily, is a big part of staying balanced.
It’s also about learning to say no, which takes practice. You should push yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone but you don’t have to do everything or be available all the time. Knowing your limits and protecting your energy is key.
And most importantly, give yourself flexibility and grace. Some weeks will feel more balanced than others, and that’s normal. The goal isn't perfection—it's finding a rhythm that works for you and adjusting as your life and priorities shift.