What do you do if your work-life balance is slipping away as a late career professional?

2 Prioritize your values

The next step is to clarify your values and priorities, and ensure that your actions and decisions are in line with them. Your values are the principles and beliefs that direct your life, while your priorities are the goals and tasks that you deem the most important and urgent. You can use a tool like the Eisenhower Matrix to divide activities into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. Additionally, you can ask yourself questions such as what your core values are, what short-term and long-term goals you want to accomplish, how you measure success, how you balance your needs with those of family and friends, how you cope with stress and change, and how you celebrate achievements. Doing this will help you make decisions that align with your values and prioritize activities based on their importance.

3 Optimize your time

The third step is to manage your time effectively and efficiently, and make the most of your peak hours and energy levels. The Pomodoro Technique is one tool that can help you do this, as it breaks down your work into 25-minute intervals of focused work followed by 5-minute breaks to avoid distractions and procrastination. When creating your plan, ask yourself questions such as how to prioritize tasks, delegate or automate those that are not essential or enjoyable for you, limit exposure to interruptions, create a routine that suits your personality and preferences, and balance work with rest. Doing so will help you stay organized and disciplined, while also making time for activities that recharge your batteries and boost your mood.

4 Communicate your needs

The fourth step is to communicate your needs and expectations clearly and assertively with your boss, colleagues, clients, and family. Utilizing the STAR method can help you describe your situation, task, action, and result in a concise and compelling way. Additionally, it can aid in negotiating, persuading, or influencing others. To further this process, ask yourself questions such as how do you express opinions in a respectful and constructive manner? How do you ask for help or guidance when necessary? How do you say no or set boundaries when requests are not aligned with your values or priorities? Furthermore, consider how to handle conflicts or disagreements professionally and positively. It is also important to acknowledge and appreciate yourself and others for their work and achievements. Lastly, think about how to build trust and collaboration with your boss, colleagues, clients, and family.

6 Enjoy the journey

The sixth and final step is to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way. Utilizing a tool such as the Bucket List can help you prioritize and pursue the things that you want to do, see, or experience before you die. Additionally, it is important to ask yourself questions such as: what makes you happy, excited, or passionate in your work and life? What are you curious, interested, or fascinated by? What are you grateful, proud, or satisfied with? What do you want to try, learn, or discover? How do you balance your seriousness and playfulness? Lastly, how do you embrace your uniqueness and authenticity in your work and life?

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?