We’re sure the resolutions to exercise more, or quit a bad habit are already in full swing, but it’s important to consider your career resolutions, no matter how big or small. After all, we spend most of our waking hours at work, so it’s important for us to feel like we’re moving forward so that we don’t end up feeling like we’re stuck in a rut.
There are a number of things you can vow to do over the next year, such as find a mentor, network/connect with others, join a society, improve your time management, or learn something new. But here at Careers Network, we feel that there is one resolution that should be on the top of everyone’s agenda for 2020…
Make your work/life balance a priority
We all know the drill, you’ve started a new job and you’re determined to prove your worth, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a stormy sea of bad habits.
So if you find yourself working late, checking your emails during out of hours, find your mind wandering mid-conversation with friends and family, or you’re responding to emails when you’re on annual leave etc. — then here are some tips to ensure you become the priority, not your work.
Stop working on your commute
For those who get public transport, it can be tempting to try and get ahead on work before you’ve even made it into the office, but you’re missing out on the great opportunity to clear your head! So make it a priority to catch up on some reading, listen to a podcast, do something creative, or finally finish that Nintendo Switch game.
Remember, you’re not being paid to work during your commute!
Block out your lunch hour every day and stick to it
It’s easy to get into the habit of letting someone schedule in a meeting during lunch, or eat your lunch at your desk, particularly when your colleagues are doing the same, but you are not obliged to just because they are.
Your employer is legally obligated to give you a lunch hour, and for good reason too — a lot of studies prove that it can improve your concentration, increase your energy levels, reduce eye strain, and prevent RSI amongst many others.
So go ahead, block out an hour/half an hour in your diary each day, and make sure you leave the office, and maybe even take a colleague with you!
Make plans straight after work
If you find it difficult to make sure you leave the office on time because you just want to get your tasks finished, then it may be worthwhile planning something straight after work to ensure that you leave on time. This could include meeting a friend, booking a gym class, or maybe even plan to cook a complicated meal that requires you to leave on time.
Uninstall any work-related apps on your personal devices
Smartphones/devices are our worst enemy in so many ways, and it’s so easy to just grab a quick glimpse of your emails wherever you are. The best thing you can do is uninstall any work-related apps/accounts from your personal device.
It’s highly unlikely that your employer has paid for any of your personal devices, so you should in no way feel obliged to do so. And once you stop replying, people will learn not to expect a response, and chances are, they’ll stop emailing during out of hours too!
Designate a time to talk shop
It’s important to talk to your partner/flatmate/family about your day and let off steam, but don’t let it consume your whole evening. Agree a time period, perhaps half an hour each, and then agree that you won’t mention work again after that time period.
How to stay committed
As always, it’s easy to start off with good intentions, only to fall back into your old ways later down the line. So make sure you a) start small b) change just one behaviour at a time until it has become routine c) tell people about your plans d) don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon now and then and e) if you’re struggling to keep on track, then ask for help and support from your friends, family, and colleagues.