You’re stuck at work, staring at the clock, wondering where the day went.  You prioritize the rest of your work day, determined to be out of there at a decent time.

4 o’clock comes around and you’re feeling confident that you’re on track to leave on time.

5 o’clock comes around. Two things pop up unexpectedly and you’re still sitting in the office.  You wanted to be wrapping up by this time and because you’re not, discouragement starts to creep in…

You watch as 5:30, 6 and 7 o’clock sadly show on the clock. Feeling defeated, you call it a day and head home.

Tomorrow will be better, right?

We see you and your frustration. We know your inner struggle. No matter how strong-willed you are, it proves to be impossible to give 100% to both your professional life and your personal. You’re disappointed that you cannot seem to keep up with both of your lives and blame your career for keeping you away.

You’ve missed birthdays, holidays, and important family gatherings. It’s like you are living 2 separate lives, which are constantly battling each other for attention. How do you keep up? It’s exhausting and the fact is, tomorrow won’t be better unless you make it better.

We are sharing 5 ways to help you bridge the gap between your personal life and your professional one. We do not think that you have to choose between advancing your career and watching your children grow up.

 

Set Realistic Goals

First and foremost, set separate and realistic goals for each. Write them down and ask yourself what you want to accomplish in the next couple of years, both professionally and personally. Is it to get a promotion? Grow your family? Travel?

Once you’ve affirmed your goals in your own mind, you’ll be better prepared and more confident in moving toward those goals. From accepting a promotion to applying for another job, you will be mentally ready to make the big decisions.

 

 

Location, location, location

This isn’t just a ploy used by real estate agents to inflate the price of your dream home. It is a very real benefit or hindrance. The bottom line is — live where you want to live and create your job there.

You will be happier and healthier waking up every day in a place you enjoy and find inspiration. Have you always dreamed of the beach or are you a mountaintop kind of woman?

If this sounds like it is impossible, do not shut your doors on the idea yet. We know that relocating is easier for some careers than others. But give it a serious thought if you want to simplify your two worlds. Perhaps it is  time for a new job… Perhaps you would be happier living closer to work even if your home is smaller. It could mean less time commuting and more time for yourself and people important to you.

 

Meaning & Purpose

Take a minute (or 30) and think about why you are in the career your are in. What is it about your career that keeps you going everyday? If your answer is a paycheck, keep thinking. We all know that keeping food on the table is priority but you need to discover your big ‘why’. Why do you do, what you do?

Is it something that you find meaning in? You do not need to be fighting for human rights or working for a non-profit to find meaning. If you truly believe in your company’s mission and are devoted to helping it progress, that is meaning.  If you love your co-workers that is meaning.

Analyze your true feelings about your career. It is not all about money. You need to find your purpose to feel the most satisfied.

 

Change

We are not talking about the coins in your purse. We are talking life alterations. Change is inevitable and most times it comes without warning. Don’t be afraid of it. Easier said than done.

Whether it’s moving your residence or finding a new job, there is no hiding it, we are suggesting you consider some major changes to your life. But once you accept that change is inevitable, it will be easier to entertain what’s next.

Even if you stay in the same town and continue in the same career, there will be changes that you need to embrace anyway — new coworkers, new bosses, new developments around town. Nothing is stagnant.

So, why not face the changes head on, on your own terms?

We are human and it is in our nature to form habits and find comforts in the familiar. You know what’s also human? Adaptation. You can do anything you put your mind to! Don’t be afraid of change. Welcome it, embrace it and you’ll feel on top of it all.

 

Make a decision

Now that we’ve given you something to think about and maybe even ruffled your feathers a little, the #1 thing you need to do now is act. Start with your goals and go from there. Do not continue to struggle in your divided universe. Make a decision one way or the other.

 

Don’t Panic

If the thought of relocating, starting a new job and all of the unknowns in-between, sends you into a tailspin, slow down and think each one through. Do not make any drastic decisions. Remember the reason you are entertaining any of this is to balance your professional and personal. That’s worth it.

So, the next time you hear a fellow coworker gripe about missing an important family get-together for a career event, point them our direction. We’ll help them through it.

Here at Mercury Clothiers, we’re focused on empowering women like you to live their best lives.

Keep us in the loop! Let us know how your goals are coming along. And make sure you’re following us on Instagram >> @mercury_clothiers << for more tips.

 

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