9 Days: Let's talk Work/Life Balance

Work/Life Balance. Sometimes I have it. Sometimes I don't.

You're probably thinking, "But Laura, you work for yourself! That's awesome! You don't answer to ANYONE" (Well, yeah...Except all of my customers, who I would like to keep happy.) Or I recently heard that I don't "have a job" at all! (There are no words.)

Or you may be thinking, "What is this elusive 'Work/Life Balance?'"

First, I will tell you that Work/Life Balance is a buzz word that I heard a lot when I worked in Human Resources, the balancing of your working life responsibilities and having enough time left in the day to comfortably manage your home life (i.e. time with family, home upkeep, personal time).

Second, I will tell you that since I left corporate America for operating a small from-home graphic design business, I have struggled with the concept.

Either I'm working at all hours of the night and during the weekend. Or I'm going AWOL for a few days just to have some alone time. I've always made customer service and responsiveness ("Sense of Urgency") my highest priority, but sometimes, I sacrifice personal time by refusing to turn off the phone.

Coming from a profession (HR) where we COUNSEL people in maintaining a separation between work and home...I'm kind of ashamed of myself.

It's especially noticeable to me right now as we plan for the birth of Riley. How do I plan to continue my business, holding myself to the highest standards, with a newborn?  

Here's my plan:

1.) No weekend meetings unless unavoidable. 

2.) Check business email daily. Do NOT let this pile up. It will become overwhelming, because that's what inboxes do. Once you have responded back to email, don't "hang around" waiting on a follow-up, jump in to other tasks. Responsiveness does not equal a five second communication turn around. If it is critical, use the phone.

3.) Mute the business phone after 7 pm. Nuff said. Most of my clients work 9 to 5, so I give them leeway in contacting me in the evenings. 

4.) Be more clear with your clients about your timelines on projects. If they love your work and customer service, they will understand that an overworked graphic designer does not = stellar design. This applies to most jobs, people. Be realistic. Does your customer need it yesterday, because they are impatient? Or because they really need it yesterday? I like turning jobs over quickly, that will never change, but it is good to set limits.

Do you guys have any tips for maintaining a Work/Life Balance? Share them in the comments!