Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat discussed how professionals can better manage their crazy, chaotic work schedules that make up an "average" work week.
[seealso slug="hacks-work-life-balance"] Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of questions, ranging from the challenges associated with work-life balance in today's culture to how professionals can respectfully set boundaries at work to prevent burnout.
Several life-balance experts shared their knowledge on the topic including: Amanda Clayman, financial wellness expert and life balance enthusiast; Erica Diamond, lifestyle coach, founder & editor in chief of Women On The Fence; Lylah Alphonse, managing editor for U.S News; and Samantha Ettus, work-life balance renegade, bestselling author and Forbes contributor.
Check out highlights from our chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story "#BizChats: How to achieve work-life balance" on Storify]#BizChats: How to achieve work-life balanceMashable hosted a Twitter chat to discuss how professionals can get the most out of their precious time without turning into a workaholic. Storified by Mashable· Wed, Sep 30 2015 21:44:40
Life can be overwhelming. We try to juggle so much when it comes to our daily lives including (but not limited to): our jobs, our friends, our family, and miscellaneous activities if we have the time to do them. When it comes to work-life balance, many people are unclear on how to tackle it. It's almost as if they give up before they even try -- like it's impossible. We're here to tell you, it IS possible!
@mashbusiness and several life-balance experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how people can achieve the work-life balance they've always wanted. Welcome to #BizChats! Today we're discussing how to conquer work-life balance. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our life balance experts: @mandaclay, @EricaDiamond, and @samanthaettus! #BizChatsMashable BusinessSpecial welcome to @WriteEditRepeat to #BizChats!Mashable Business#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're
answering. (ie., Q1.-->A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. What are the challenges associated with work-balance in today’s work culture? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA1: Challenges are our smart phones-we are always reachable, always on call. We need to implement strict guidelines for ourselves. #bizchatsErica Diamond@mashbusiness A1: The challenges associated w/work balance now is we are expected to do more & sometimes outside of work hrs too. #BizChatsWayne ChanA1. Feel we have to be all things to all people. Struggle to set boundaries and take resp. when inner voice says we're off track. #BizChatsAmanda Clayman@mashbusiness A1: Giving up getting ahead to have a life. Doesn't mean you can never succeed, it will just be at a slower rate. #BizChatsChristianna GiordanoA1: Today, it's extremely easy to stay connected to work outside the office, which makes for a lack of boundaries b/n work & life #BizChatsMariya GinzburgA1. People, especially parents, feel that they have to somehow be able to do it all at work and at home. #BizChats https://t.co/MHrrEUx3TzLylah M. AlphonseA1. Tech is a + and a - when it comes to balance. Expectation is that you can work anywhere, at any time. Hard to turn that off. #BizchatsLylah M. AlphonseA1: Basic structures of US workplace have never adapted to idea that both parents (if there are 2) might be working full time. #BizChatsEric WolarskyA1: The lines between work/home have blurred. Ping pong & dry cleaners at the office can be a barrier. #bizchats https://t.co/vTHFE6D34iSamantha EttusA1. Working hard enough to find success while leading a fulfilling life to stay motivated over the course of the week. #bizchatsPicatic TorontoA1: With the innovation of smartphones employees can respond to e-mails 24/7, making it feel impossible to truly discconnect #bizchatsBrad Karsh@mashbusiness Being in a business that never sleeps like most, makes work-life balance tough. It's hard to fully disconnect #BizChats.Jake Counselbaum ☯A1. Our devices offer us freedom and the sense of being tethered at the same time. Up to us to set boundaries. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA1 - Work life balance is about integrating work and life, NOT balancing work VERSUS life. Passion is a must. #BizChatsYasin Abbak@mashbusiness A1. Being on-call almost all the time. There's no disconnect. Our devices are attached to our hips & hands. #BizChatsTracey Edouard @mashbusiness A1: always connected to work through remote or mobile devices which leads to expectations of responding immediately #BizChatsMichael EstabrooksA1: Often think of those at perks - but are they purposefully blurring the lines? Is that a bad thing? #bizchats https://t.co/1QVgLYfPD2Christianna GiordanoQuestion 2:Q2. What are signs of an unhealthy work-life balance life? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA2. Signs of unhealthy work-life balance is fatigue, depression, weight loss or gain, isolation, unhappiness, overwhelm & stress. #bizchatsErica DiamondA2: If you are consumed by guilt when at home and consumed by guilt when at work, your balance might be off. #BizChatsEric Wolarsky@mashbusiness A2: Burnout would be the biggest one since when we work too hard, sometimes we just aren't as focused. #BizChatsWayne ChanA2: When you aren't LOVING your life, you are just LIVING your life. #bizchats https://t.co/jVEv46mdTDSamantha Ettus@mashbusiness A2: forgetting to spend quality time with your family and friends #BizChatsMetachick MarketingA2. Dreading work -- or dreading leaving it. Feeling obligated to work at all hours. #BizChats #worklifebalance https://t.co/f2pfXeRTT0Lylah M. Alphonse@mashbusiness Neck pain from looking down too often. No joke. Lack of sleep. Lack of fun. No focus on health & fitness. #BizChatsJake Counselbaum ☯@mashbusiness A2 Burnout, constantly connected and missing family events even while present at them. If you cannot take a vacation #BizChatsMichael Estabrooks@mashbusiness A2. Not feeling able to put down the computer after you return home to relax and unwind. #BizChatsTracey Edouard #A2: When you don't know if you should work more or spend time with family that you barely see. #Bizchats https://t.co/avyb34KcrbBrittani HunterA2: Feeling unproductive, and unfocused after a long day of work #BizChatsBrad KarshA2: Forgetfullness (i.e. forgetting about an important meeting or phone call, falling behind on deadlines) #BizChats https://t.co/SnpkTIFEUvPalo Alto StaffingA2. Feel like you have to put in increasing effort to show up & get previous result = an early symptom of BURNOUT. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA2b. Feel anger and resentment toward one sector of your life. Experience breakdown in one sector (health, relationships, job). #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA2. If you're constantly feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, your work-life balance may need a tune-up. #BizChatsScott Urbanowski@mashbusiness A2: when your not sure what work is and not sure what life is! There is no line and it's all just a blur.Ricky ShahA2. Feeling like you can't use the vacay time or sick time you're owed. More here: http://t.co/DF7LyOg0hp #Bizchats https://t.co/f2pfXeRTT0Lylah M. AlphonseA2. When you aren't taking control of your life & instead reacting to everything at work & at home & always feeling a step behind. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA2 - You can tell you have unhealthy work-life balance when you feel like you NEED work life balance. #BizChatsYasin AbbakA2: Consistently working during your lunch break (or not taking a break at all). #BizChats https://t.co/avyb34KcrbBrittani HunterA2: When you don't take time to leave work and just be in the present. #BizChatsColeen Case@mashbusiness A2: Poor physical health, stress, feelings of fulfillment. I find that overcompensating is also a usual symptom. #BizChatsChristianna GiordanoQuestion 3:Q3. What questions should you ask yourself to assess your current work-life balance situation? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3. Am I present where I am or is my mind always elsewhere? #bizchatsSamantha Ettus@mashbusiness A3: Am I being productive/producing good work? If the answer is no, I go for a run. Clears my mind. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA3. What's important to me? Am I putting time & energy toward ALL of those areas? If not, what is being sacrificed? #BizChatsAmanda Clayman@mashbusiness A3: Do I find myself apologizing to my employer for being a present spouse, parent, daughter/son? #BizChatstreetree agencyA3: What am I working towards? Am I sacrificing the present for an uncertain future? Does my job better my life? Am I happy? #bizchatsPicatic TorontoA3. Questions like do you enjoy activities outside of work, do you feel burned out or overwhelmed, do you dedicate any “me time? #bizchatsErica Diamond@mashbusiness Am I truly happy at work? Do I make a difference every minute I'm working? Would people notice if I wasn't there? #BizChatsJake Counselbaum ☯A3: Have your kids asked you numerous times to put down you're phone once you're home from office? Time to STAY PRESENT. #bizchatsErica DiamondA3. Are you loving the work you do, the output you provide, and feel valued? Both at home & at work. #BizChatsRed Door A3 - Does my personal life sacrifices today contribute to my career goals? Is it worth the imbalance? #BizChats https://t.co/QjXMU7BUTmTerence John CortezA3. Do you enjoy your work? Big difference in work/life balance when you hate your job vs love it. Happiness is key! @mashbusiness #BizChatsGeorge Bateman@mashbusiness A3: Simple. "Am I really happy?" #BizChatsChristianna Giordano@mashbusiness A3: Also asking myself "Am I happy? Am I healthy?" #BizChatsJennifer BakerA3: Am I making sure to do self care? Do the people I love know that they are my priority? Work doesn't cuddle you at night. #BizChatsColeen CaseQ3. Can I spend one day without phone and email? #BizChats https://t.co/HKUlbZoYI5AureA3. When's the last time you had a vacation? Not a "working vacation" - an actual vacation. #BizChatsScott UrbanowskiA3: Are you giving your all to work? Are you the best you could be at home? #BizChats https://t.co/rwMf2I2NLtPalo Alto StaffingA3. Ask Yourself: Can you find time to do the things that are really important to you? #BizChats https://t.co/NAdIIf8bnoLylah M. AlphonseQuestion 4:Q4. What are common mistakes people make when trying to achieve work-life balance? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA4. They expect their employers to set their boundaries rather than setting their own boundaries. #BizChats https://t.co/fwh5wCgEFwSamantha EttusA4. Being too rigid. Balance is an ORIENTATION not a fixed place. Have to routinely re-assess and tune into that moment's needs. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA4. Trying to do it all, all the time. Think of it as a work-life juggle, not balance. #BizChats 1/2 https://t.co/hJQ2vrybuNLylah M. AlphonseA4. What I mean by juggle: Some days, work has to be priority. Other days, family/parents/kids/self. #BizChats 2/2 https://t.co/hJQ2vrybuNLylah M. AlphonseA4: Worklife balance can't be put under a microscope w/ ONE specimen taken. We must measure happiness over time-the WHOLE package. #bizchatsErica Diamond@mashbusiness Q4: Setting unrealistic goals can make work-life balance extremely hard. Remember, it isn't an overnight change. #BizChatsChristianna GiordanoA4. Another mistake: Assuming perfection at is the norm and people are achieving it while you aren't. #Bizchats https://t.co/hJQ2vrybuNLylah M. AlphonseA4: They try to please everyone and you end up forgetting yourself. #BizChatsColeen CaseA4. Tolerating guilt. Your family wins if you put in 100% at the office. Your work wins if you feel good about your time at home. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA4. Don't compare yourself to others. You will feel devalued when you compare your very worst to the illusion of someone's best. #BizChatsErica DiamondA4. I think that expecting to be super-parent at home also sets us up for work-balance problems. #Bizchats https://t.co/hJQ2vrybuNLylah M. AlphonseA4: You can't fix an overscheduled life by fine-tuning the schedule. Need to simplify. #BizChatsEric WolarskyQ4. Comparing your beginning with someones middle - this was well said and so common #BizChats https://t.co/WHJAs2fS5mAureA4. Not communicating with managers or your company when you feel there is an imbalance or when you need support. #BizChatsRed Door @mashbusiness A4: Thinking that time they spend more on work compromises on the material things they provide for their loved ones. #BizChatsTerence John Cortez@mashbusiness A4: You can do anything, but not everything. #BizChats http://t.co/0uxvUrM8reJennifer Baker@mashbusiness A4 working too hard or playing too hard and rewarding yourself too big too early. #BizChatsRicky ShahQuestion 5:Q5. How can professionals respectfully set boundaries at work to prevent burnout? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA5. Don't set precedents that will harm you longterm. OK to say no if you show committment in other ways. #Bizchats https://t.co/aNA013K1TuLylah M. AlphonseA5. Meditation, yoga, regular date nights, foster social connection, eating well, power down times at night, practicing self care. #bizchatsErica DiamondA5: Creating a realistic schedule based on your work and life outside of your work. #Bizchats https://t.co/FzKHu7qm6DBrittani HunterA5. Propose what you want/need instead of guessing what you think they'll say yes to. Be prepared to negotiate & adjust. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA5b. On "respectfully" pt: once you set a boundary be open to discuss, respond to feedback,be proactive when it might be an issue. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA5c. Don't try to sneak around. Let ppl know when they can/can't reach you. Ex: "I don't answer emails after 8pm or on Saturday." #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA5: Having back up help/options for ppl when they are sick and giving ppl an option once a week to work where they please. #BizChatsColeen CaseA5: Dont sacrifice your health. Sleep, drink water, eat healthy. Simple things can go far and they are no brainers. #bizchatsYasin AbbakA5: Let your colleagues know when you will be 'off' work'; encourages them to get in last minute requests #BizChats https://t.co/AGSZvUtZScPalo Alto StaffingA5. You have to monitor your own burnout levels. Don't expect your boss to do it. #BizChats https://t.co/aNA013K1TuLylah M. AlphonseA5. Setting expectations up front w/ management/teammates on work hours, communication flow etc. #BizChats https://t.co/wO3L2Z9BoFDanielle SmithA5. Be crystal clear about your expectations of those you work with. When possible, set deadlines for work requests. #BizChatsScott Urbanowski@mashbusiness A5. a.By setting personal and realistic goals/incentives. b.Not comparing their growth with their colleagues'. #BizChatsJyoti AroraA5: Put in place a "time sensitive" inbox where work can contact you with more pressing issues, use a personal cell phone. #bizchatsPicatic Toronto@mashbusiness A5 define/talk their vertical personal their hours of when they will be online and offline. On vacation disconnect! #BizChatsMichael EstabrooksA5: Talk to your boss! Always ask how urgent projects are before prioritizing them over your own health #BizChatsBrad Karsh@mashbusiness A5 Prioritise and plan. Set a deadline and work to it. Don't rush and sacrifice quality. #BizChatsRicky Shah@mashbusiness A5 Know how/when to stop, to negotiate boundaries, deadlines and deals, be friendly but firm, a win-win for all #BizChatsIdeonA5. A lot depends on the job -- some more stressful and demanding than others. #BizChats https://t.co/aNA013K1TuLylah M. AlphonseA5: Designate a tech-free two hours each night. Communicate this to colleagues & give home # for work emergencies. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA5. I believe in honesty. If you are feeling overwhelmed, speak to your boss. There are way to convey w/out compromising your job. #BizChatsErica DiamondA5. Live as though you are tied to a train schedule even if you don't take the train. #BizChats https://t.co/y0G2B90kYrSamantha Ettus@mashbusiness A5: Flexibility. Understanding. Empathy. #BizChatsJennifer BakerQuestion 6:Q6. What solutions are available when struggling with work-life balance? Is there a solution? #BizChatsMashable Business@mashbusiness A6: It will take empathy from the employer & practice from the employee. We just want to do a good job! #BizChatsJennifer BakerA6. Think in terms of time periods. It's okay to sprint & focus on one area for awhile, then re-prioritize in next period. #BizChatsAmanda Clayman@mashbusiness Q6: Working for a company that provides more work-life balance is a start, but mainly it is a personal commitment. #BizChatsChristianna Giordano@mashbusiness A6 finish current projects and then step-back and review goals. Talk with peers, mentors, and like minded successful #BizChatsMichael EstabrooksA6. Consider the different slices of your life, a full life includes all of the slices. Make goals for each slice. #bizchatsSamantha Ettus@mashbusiness A6: The notion that employees are responsible for creating work-life balance needs turned upside-down. #BizChatstreetree agencyA6: Speak w/ your superior about your struggle? Shows your're honest & communicative while gaining advice! #BizChats https://t.co/vfciPolojwPalo Alto StaffingA6: Communication and planning. Set aside time on weekends to prepare for the week, and speak up for help when you're struggling. #BizChatsNBPA6. Don't feel guilty for prioritizing life or work in short term, keep the big/longterm picture in mind. #Bizchats https://t.co/UQa9l2TunWLylah M. AlphonseA6: Just like any great workplace issue, you need to strategize & communicate your boundaries & exceptions with coworkers #BizChatsBrad KarshA6 a) Employers: Flexhours, onsite fitness facilities, remote work opportunities, off traffic peak hour scheduling #bizchatsPicatic Toronto@mashbusiness A6 take a few steps back.Trace back your vision of what you set out to do. you can try locate where it went wrong #BizChatsRicky ShahA6. Take a positive spin on this & realize that life gets messy. Laugh a little more and embrace the imperfection. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA6. Lifestyle changes. Having a 50/50 partnership at home, making time for family, friends, fitness & fun. #bizchats https://t.co/gHl4TQPyO5Samantha EttusA6. Think of it as chapters in a book, with work and life taking turns as the main character. #BizChats https://t.co/UQa9l2TunWLylah M. AlphonseQuestion 7:Q7. What final advice do you have about achieving a healthy work-life balance? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA7: Work-life balance works when priorities are in place and your values aren't compromised. #BizChats https://t.co/WGhCuqoA2eDapzury ValenzuelaA7: Don't strive for absurd markers - having it all/juggling/balancing. Do embrace the messy moments in your full rich life. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA7: Also, remember that work will always be there. People grow older so time is of the essence. #BizChatsColeen Case@mashbusiness "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you'll get what you need." #BizChatsJake Counselbaum ☯A7. Mindfulness practice helps you notice things are out of balance, take steps before it's a breakdown/burnout situation. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA7b. You're never "done." You're never "balanced." Think of it as tuning in to what you need in the moment and try to find flow. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA7c. Work-life balance doesn't just happen. Its something we need be responsible for creating, value ourselves enough to DO. #BizChatsAmanda ClaymanA7. We also have to be attuned to our needs and know our limits, both personally and professionally. We have to learn to say NO. #bizchatsErica DiamondA7. There are no bad days/weeks/years. Only bad moments. The next moment might be awesome so don't ruin it with "bad day" talk. #bizchatsSamantha EttusA7:The best work balance you can find is through a job you love doing, jobs will always intertwine with our lives,love what you do!#bizchatsPicatic TorontoA7: Know your limits. Work and Life with suffer if you try to do everything! #BizChats https://t.co/LiPWeAbAJrPalo Alto Staffing@mashbusiness A7: Listen to yourself. You can't be of use to others if you're unhealthy/unhappy. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA7. We live this life once. Are you living it for you or for your company? #BizChatsMIKE☣METAL@mashbusiness A7 - Office work = never ends. It accumulates. But there's always tomorrow. Your kid's recital doesn't happen daily. #BizChatsTerence John CortezA7. Remember that success isn't about about how much $$ you make or whether you become CEO, CFO, etc. (1/2) #BizChatsScott UrbanowskiA7: Communicating your needs and venting to people you trust. Take time to separate yourself from work and enjoy your life! #BizChatsColeen CaseA7. I like to find my WORKING MOM BUDDY who takes my kids so I'm freed up, & I take hers next time. Guilt-free! #bizchatsErica DiamondQ7. Remember: Some days are just crap. Can't avoid it. When the day is done, move on! #Bizchats https://t.co/x3ep7SDAoaLylah M. Alphonse@mashbusiness A7 live, laugh, love. Work life balance is a personal committment. Be genuine and honest with your employees, boss #BizChatsMichael EstabrooksA7. Leading a full life includes love, work, family, health, friends, community and hobbies. Enjoy it! #bizchats https://t.co/RzKUMSjLFaSamantha EttusClosing Comments: @mashbusiness Thank you for having me. Loved sharing advice & strategies with your audience! Great topic near & dear to my heart. #bizchatsErica DiamondThank you @mashbusiness for another awesome #BizChats I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts!Coleen CaseSo many great insights shared here today, @mashbusiness. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of it! #Bizchats https://t.co/XmEetuenIWLylah M. Alphonse@mashbusiness You rocked another #BizChats! (Great colours btw!!)Jennifer Baker@mashbusiness @mandaclay @EricaDiamond @WriteEditRepeat Thanks for having me. Loved your tips!Samantha EttusThanks for a great conversation on an often over-looked issue @mashbusiness #BizChatsBrad Karsh@mashbusiness Great chat today! Will definitely be joining in on the next! #BizChats https://t.co/dby7qEnn7uPalo Alto Staffing@mashbusiness thank you for hosting another fantastic Q&A #BizChats look forward to next week's.Michael Estabrooks@mashbusiness Loving today's #BizChats! Biggest takeaway: Set strong boundaries, not unsustainable precedents.SAM in NY