Work-life Balance

A blurb in today's Chronicle of Higher Education references a list created by Computerworld on ways to balance IT work and real life. While the full list that appears in Computerworld includes 10 tips, the Chronicle piece only lists these top five.

1. Establish and enforce your own priorities. Sometimes that may mean saying no to overtime and promotions.

2. Communicate. Once you set priorities, let your co-workers know about them. Set boundaries so your boss knows when he or she is crossing them.

3. Build a business case for your better life. If you want to telecommute or have flexible hours, show how you can achieve superior job results in that situation.

4. Take advantage of employee programs. If your college offers job-sharing or on-site child care, find out about those options and use them.

5. Seek out a mentor. Find someone in your field who seems to balance work and life nicely. Ask his or her advice about how you can do the same. Maybe even copy what your mentor does.

Easier said than done...