Beyond Nine to Five: Tips for Improving Your Work-Life Balance

MONTVALE, N.J.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--In today’s turbulent economy, many professionals find that they’re working harder than ever before. But while you’re spending time grinding through the daily tasks of a pressure-filled job, your community is changing, your kids are growing up, and your days as a vibrant, able individual are shrinking. If you don’t want to miss out on the opportunities – and important life lessons – that exist outside your office doors, it’s important to strike a balance between doing work you get paid for and work (volunteer or personal) for which you don’t.

One person who knows all about juggling the responsibilities of a demanding professional position and an equally challenging extra-work role is Frederick E. Schea, CMA^®, CFM^®, CPA, Chair-Emeritus of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA^®), the world’s leading organization dedicated to supporting accountants and financial professionals in business (www.imanet.org). Mr. Schea, president and CEO of First Savings Bank of Perkasie, a $1 billion community bank in Upper Bucks County, Pa., is also a long-time volunteer firefighter and active community volunteer. Below, he shared the following five suggestions for helping to achieve a fulfilling, and appropriate, work-life balance:

• Find ways to use your talents in a volunteer capacity. If you’re a financial person, offer to balance the books or become the treasurer of a community organization. Volunteering in this way will not only help to expand your knowledge, but it will also help you feel a sense of value.
• Or, do something totally different from what you do on a daily basis. For example, when I was a newlywed, I was introduced to firefighting by my father-in-law. To this day, this volunteer work – fortunately not conducted at a bank – continues to be a rewarding part of my life. Chances are you’ll find that donating your time to do something completely unrelated to your working life will help to put things in perspective and give you insight into another world. It also may open up business prospects or ideas that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
• Invest time in your personal life. It’s sad but true: children grow up quickly and they pass through their formative years only once. Elderly parents, too, need time and attention at certain stages of their lives. Help to build your own self esteem by spending time with the people that matter most. Similarly, make sure to make time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, riding a bike, going on a hike, even taking a nap – it’s important to unwind.
• Achieve mastery of a new skill. You’re never too old to feel the joy of getting really good at something. Learn a language, play an instrument, become an expert at Excel. Another great option is pursuing a professional certification, which delivers the double advantage of helping your career and providing you with a true sense of accomplishment.
• Get involved in a professional or trade association. Joining an association where you can meet and interact with peers helps you to network and enables you to learn from others. It also helps to improve your view of the profession and provide skills and training that you can take back to your job.

By following these simple suggestions, you’ll likely find that your working life – and probably your entire life – grows more fulfilling and meaningful.