Newly remote-work employee needs to set firm boundaries
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm 32 years old and have recently shifted to a remote-work setup for the first time in my career. This change has brought about a unique experience, blurring the boundaries between my professional and personal lives. What strategies can I implement to maintain work-life balance and prevent burnout while working remotely? — Drawing the Line
DEAR DRAWING THE LINE: During the pandemic, many professionals faced this challenge head-on. Suddenly, they were at home, seemingly working around the clock with virtually no breaks and no end to the day. Unfortunately, this cycle has continued for many people who work either completely remotely or on a hybrid schedule. You are right to be concerned and eager to strike a balance between your work and home lives.
Pause and reflect on how you structured your day when you went into the office. Look for habits that benefit you, such as getting up at a particular time, personal hygiene rituals and eating. Think about when you did those things, and include them in a daily schedule. What time did you normally eat lunch or take breaks? Even if it's just for 15 minutes, schedule in times when you walk away from your computer and do something for yourself. Plan an end time for your day, and log out of your computer at that time. Let any co-workers who might be impacted by your departure know that your day is ending. You can allow an emergency SOS, but make it clear that you want to receive texts or urgent messages only if they really cannot wait until the next day. Be sure to negotiate this with your boss so that you aren't viewed as insubordinate or uncaring. It is OK to have a life and work hard, too.
DEAR HARRIETTE: After graduating from college at 23, I secured a job in Chicago. While it's an exciting city, I hadn't visited before apartment hunting for my big move. Now, after residing here for six months, I'm facing difficulties in making new friends, unlike my experience in college. How can I navigate the social shift post-college and forge meaningful connections in this unfamiliar place, especially when many individuals already seem to have established friend groups? — Making Friends
DEAR MAKING FRIENDS: It takes time and vigilance to become comfortable and connected in a new city. Chicago is a good choice for a young professional, though, as it has tons of cultural events every week and a diverse population. What you must do is put yourself out there and explore. Look at online calendars to see what's happening each week. Research activities that draw people to venues where you can talk, such as art openings, restaurant debuts, street fairs (when it gets warmer), concerts, etc. Notice the people on your job. Who is the most interesting to you? Invite that person out for drinks, and admit that you need some help branching out in your new town. Ask your co-worker to introduce you to some nice people. Do one new thing every week that puts you in the company of other people. If you do that, you will begin to meet new people and forge new relationships.