Americans are spending an increasing amount of time at work and less time on leisure activities. Families are eating fewer meals together. Less time is spent interacting with children, spouses and on domestic chores.
These factors all add up to the need to find a comfortable balance between careers and personal and family lives, says Glen Jenson, Utah State University Extension family and human development specialist. He offers these suggestions:- Be willing to make changes in your work schedule or commitment at home and at work.
- If you are married, work to maintain the marriage relationship at a high level of satisfaction for both partners.
- Examine the career path you are choosing to take and modify if it doesn't fit your goal of balance between work and family.
- Reallocate the domestic work-load, and if it becomes necessary, lower your expectations.
- Work to improve time management, stress management and crisis management skills.
- Seek to have good feelings of self-worth. Practice sound health and fitness principles and be involved in providing meaningful service to others.