Balance of the work and life!

Your work-life balance is decided by one thing: where you choose to set your boundaries. Many people think that their work-life balance is controlled by their company, boss, or workplace culture, but I’ve found that it’s actually up to you.

The main reason is that, in the end, you make the final decisions. You choose whether to work late, agree to tight deadlines, or take on more tasks.

Some might say that there are times when you have no choice, but as my mother used to tell me, “No one can force you to do anything.” If you feel trapped without options, you might want to rethink where you set your limits.

The easiest way I’ve discovered to handle this is by pushing back on tasks that don’t feel fair. If you never say no, you’re saying yes to everything. Saying no might seem tough at first, but it can also be empowering. Often, saying no opens up a conversation at work, rather than putting your job at risk — and if it does threaten your job, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on.

If you feel like you can’t say no, then it might be time to change your job. Over the years, I’ve found that finding a new job is often easier than trying to change the one you’re in. All the time and effort spent doing extra work because you couldn’t say no could be better spent looking for a job that suits you.

Fortunately, every time I’ve switched jobs, it’s been a positive change. With each new job, you gain more knowledge about what you want in a future employer and what to avoid. Each job adds to your experience, helping you understand your career path better over time.

You are the one who decides your work-life balance. While I can’t tell you exactly how to balance it, I can remind you to check in on it and make changes if needed. Sometimes, the answer might be as simple as taking a break, and other times, it might mean leaving a job. But remember, no matter how easy or hard it seems, the decision is always yours.