EXTEND THE METRO, PLEASE

In this golden era of UAE innovation, I request the authorities to kindly consider extending the Dubai Metro up to Sharjah. This would be a golden gift for thousands of road users who spend their valuable time stuck in traffic jams especially during peak hours. — Sreekumar Nair, Sharjah

Working smarter, not longer, is key to work-life balance

This is in reference with the article, Are you a workaholic? Detach and be more productive

(KT, Feb 9). In today’s work culture, it is not surprising to come across workaholics. While some companies revere this ‘eat, sleep and breathe work’ attitude, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ principle.

It can hinder productivity. Workaholics are literally addicted to the work they are producing or the environment they are in. Choosing to work for long hours, not taking a single day holiday or checking the work e-mails obsessively, might adversely affect our emotional health and can produce poor results. These people are more at risk for becoming victims of anxiety, nervous breakdown and pessimism.

The tendency of doing excess work leads to elevated stress levels and results in over commitments and under achievements. Hence, detaching from work is vital for personal and professional growth. Determining other priorities, scheduling downtime, and knowing when it is time to unplug are absolutely necessary.

Career advancement is a top priority for everybody. But pushing yourself beyond limit may lead you nowhere. You need to know that working smarter, not longer, is beneficial. Focusing on relationships, broadening your skill, setting boundaries and being strategic can enable you to accomplish the perfect work-life balance.

— Jayadhree Kulkarni, Abu Dhabi

Dilemma in the marriage market

Media reports about Muslim girls in Kerala finding it difficult to get qualified grooms reveal a welcome change in parents’ outlook on education. Gone are the days when most Muslim girls in the state did not find it necessary to go for higher education. A pass in the final school year was considered more than enough in the matrimony market. Now hundreds of Muslim girls pursue education in professional colleges. Every reputed or otherwise hospital now have qualified lady doctors from the community. However, the men aim at starting a business in the Gulf and hence do not take up professional courses. This has created a sort of a dilemma in the marriage market. — K M Divakaran, India

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