Is work-life balance really attainable?

Question from Job Seeker:

I have re-engaged in the workforce almost 6 months ago, after an extended career break of 4 years. It was fairly easy for me to coordinate my time between work and home in the beginning but as the job pressure increased, leaving work on time slowly became unattainable. I love – and need- this job but I am torn between home and the office everyday. I am finding it very challenging to maintain a healthy balance between my work responsibilities and my family responsibilities right now and my children are missing my presence with them after school. Resigning is not an option for me at this stage: my family needs every penny! Any tips?

Answer from Bayt HR Guru:

Allow me to first congratulate on the courage you have shown by re-engaging in the workforce after a long career break and determining to make things work and ends meet! The truth is the notion of achieving an optimal work life balance has become a key goal for working professionals worldwide, men and women alike. A recent Bayt.com survey about employee motivation in the Middle East workplace actually showed that 91% of working professionals in the region consider work- life balance a vital factor which directly impacts their motivation levels at the workplace. You, as a working mother, should probably take a step back and contemplate why you have not been able to maintain a healthy balance between your office and your family life throughout the past few months. Top rituals for you to keep in mind are the following:

• Firstly, manage your time effectively no matter what! Learn to work "smart" as opposed to "long" and focus on making your precious hours at work much more condensed and productive so you can leave the office on time as many days as possible.
• Secondly, do not shy away from saying NO when you have to! Focus on primarily your own job responsibilities and your own personal and family activities which make you and your children happy and don't try to take on other peoples workloads, roles and responsibilities.
• Thirdly, do not compromise on the quality of your output. Four years away may mean some key skills need polishing up and that may perhaps be the source of your current stress and feelings of inadequacy. Take a course if you need it and don't delay! Plenty of options are available to brush up on key skills including industry conferences and seminars, online tutorials, part-time classroom courses at local universities/training houses, and condensed intensive programs that should have you feeling in control again in no time!
• Fourthly, check your options. Does your company support telecommuting? Job sharing? Part-time? Job flexibility can undoubtedly be a key factor in achieving a more optimal work-life balance.

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