2 answers
Teagan
Student
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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How can I make sure that I obtain my goal of working remotely as an actuary, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
I am a freshman studying at Penn State Main Campus. My intended major is actuarial science, and I love it so far! My favorite class is calculus, and my favorite pastime is being in nature. I am interested in remote work, but I know how easy it is to let work slip into home life and free time. I am looking for tips on how to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so that I can manage having a job I love and doing the things I love.
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2 answers
Zach Owen
Customer Success Manager
5
Answers
Snohomish, Washington
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Hi Teagan,
Working remotely can be both exciting and challenging. It's important to balance your work responsibilities with personal time. Make sure to take regular breaks during the day, like going for a walk or doing something you enjoy, to keep your energy and motivation up.
Staying focused can be tough with distractions like pets or family around, so those breaks are crucial. Also, keep open communication with your supervisor about any time off you need. Giving them a heads-up about days off or vacations is usually appreciated.
With these tips, you'll be set for success. Good luck!
Working remotely can be both exciting and challenging. It's important to balance your work responsibilities with personal time. Make sure to take regular breaks during the day, like going for a walk or doing something you enjoy, to keep your energy and motivation up.
Staying focused can be tough with distractions like pets or family around, so those breaks are crucial. Also, keep open communication with your supervisor about any time off you need. Giving them a heads-up about days off or vacations is usually appreciated.
With these tips, you'll be set for success. Good luck!
Madeline Baker
Customer Implementation Manager
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Madeline’s Answer
Hi Teagan!
I am not in the actuarial field, I work for an HR Technology company, but I have worked fully remote for the past four years, so still felt I could give some advice on your question!!!
I live in Columbus, OH and my company is located in Omaha, NE so, apart from traveling to our headquarters a couple times per year for in person events, I work 100% from my home! I first sought out a remote position because I was going to be moving in the next year and I wanted to obtain work that could move with me. At first, I was afraid that it would feel too lonely or isolating to work remotely, but it has actually been so great for me. I've found that I have a lot more energy when I am not spending hours of my day commuting and not spending the social energy to be in an office space. Here is my advice for keeping a healthy work/life balance:
1) Set up an office room (or corner/area of a room if no separate room is available) with a comfortable desk and chair (sitting/standing desk is great to switch it up in the day) and set things up ergonomically so that your posture is healthy. I know some people who work from home and are often on a laptop on the couch or something similar and I think this can be bad for their posture and for their work/life boundaries.
2) At the end of the work day, power down your laptop and live in the other parts of your space besides that office/desk area.
3) If your company culture/policies allow it, try to avoid loading apps like Slack or MS Teams or work email on your personal cell. This helps me set boundaries between the hours of the day where I am signed on, at my desk, and fully present with work, and my off time on nights/weekends/PTO where I can be fully present in the rest of my life.
4) Remember to take small breaks through the day (set alarms if you need to) to refill water, make yourself a cup of tea, or stretch a bit.
5) Don't eat lunch at your desk - actually take some time away and enjoy your food and focus your eyes on something other than a screen!
6) Get a dog! (I mean, only if you want to!) but this is my work from home secret to success. I have a 7 year old rescue dog who likes to go on 3-4 walks per day so he is a great companion to help me work productively from home, but take regular breaks to walk around the block!
I hope this advice helps and I wish you all the best in your studies and career!!!
I am not in the actuarial field, I work for an HR Technology company, but I have worked fully remote for the past four years, so still felt I could give some advice on your question!!!
I live in Columbus, OH and my company is located in Omaha, NE so, apart from traveling to our headquarters a couple times per year for in person events, I work 100% from my home! I first sought out a remote position because I was going to be moving in the next year and I wanted to obtain work that could move with me. At first, I was afraid that it would feel too lonely or isolating to work remotely, but it has actually been so great for me. I've found that I have a lot more energy when I am not spending hours of my day commuting and not spending the social energy to be in an office space. Here is my advice for keeping a healthy work/life balance:
1) Set up an office room (or corner/area of a room if no separate room is available) with a comfortable desk and chair (sitting/standing desk is great to switch it up in the day) and set things up ergonomically so that your posture is healthy. I know some people who work from home and are often on a laptop on the couch or something similar and I think this can be bad for their posture and for their work/life boundaries.
2) At the end of the work day, power down your laptop and live in the other parts of your space besides that office/desk area.
3) If your company culture/policies allow it, try to avoid loading apps like Slack or MS Teams or work email on your personal cell. This helps me set boundaries between the hours of the day where I am signed on, at my desk, and fully present with work, and my off time on nights/weekends/PTO where I can be fully present in the rest of my life.
4) Remember to take small breaks through the day (set alarms if you need to) to refill water, make yourself a cup of tea, or stretch a bit.
5) Don't eat lunch at your desk - actually take some time away and enjoy your food and focus your eyes on something other than a screen!
6) Get a dog! (I mean, only if you want to!) but this is my work from home secret to success. I have a 7 year old rescue dog who likes to go on 3-4 walks per day so he is a great companion to help me work productively from home, but take regular breaks to walk around the block!
I hope this advice helps and I wish you all the best in your studies and career!!!