Career Development Plan For Work-Life Balance

I used to walk through the door at 9 p.m., smelling like dust and concrete, boots still caked with mud. My kids were already asleep. My wife was tired of hearing me say, “Honey, it’s just a hard time right now.” Weekends? Gone. PTO? Didn’t happen. Balance? Forget it. That was me—working all the time as a Superintendent. What shook me was when Kate said one time, "It's always a busy time. We will just go without you." 😳 I was devastated. And decided to make a change. I went from missing family dinners to taking PTO, working standard hours, and actually being present for my kiddos. Here’s the pattern that made the difference: Top 10 Habits for Work–Life Balance in Construction ↗️ Schedule Your PTO at the Beginning of the Year - (Family time is a milestone. Put it on the calendar first and guard it.) ↗️ Create a Coverage Plan for All PTO - (Peace of mind comes when the project can stand without you. Build that into the culture.) ↗️ Prioritize Stability with Standard Meetings - (Fire drills steal your evenings. Rhythm and consistency with communication give them back.) ↗️ Make Planning Visual and Clear - (Get it out of your head. Put it on boards so others can lead in your absence.) ↗️ Time Block Your Days - (Protect deep work, meeting rhythms, and family transitions.) ↗️ Have Morning & Afternoon Routines - (Start with intention. End with a reset so you walk through the door calm, not chaotic.) ↗️ Go on a Weekly Date Night - (The foundation at home matters more than any foundation you place on site.) ↗️ Schedule Your Health Appointments (and Keep Them) - (Doctor. Dentist. Therapy. Don’t wait until you’re broken.) ↗️ Keep Leader Standard Work - (Daily, weekly, monthly checklists keep you proactive—not reactive.) ↗️ Create Buffers in Your Plan - (Don’t jam every minute. Leave space for calls, surprises, and just breathing.) Construction doesn’t have to cost you your family. It doesn’t have to cost you your health. If you drive your project with stability and a lot of discipline with planning—while protecting these habits—you can win both at work and at home. 💡 Which of these habits do you already use? Which one do you need most right now? Love, J$

2024 Goal #2: Work/Life Balance Goal *** This week (and early next) I'm sharing six goals each freelancer needs to check. If you missed the income goal yesterday, check it out for a different approach. **** The best part about freelancing is you are totally in control of your work schedule. The worst part is that you are totally in control of your schedule. You must actively take control of flexibility. No one is going to tell you to go home or turn off the lights. But I feel very strongly that one of the biggest keys to building a profitable freelance business that you love starts with making time for the people and things in our life that matter. And that starts with deciding what you need for yourself and then making it happen. I used to set goals based on the number of hours I would work, such as I will only work 30 hours a week. But that didn’t work because it was too nebulous in the moment. For me, I need small actions that I can take that add up to what I actually want to accomplish. I recommend coming up with six specific work life balance goals: Stop/Start work goal – Set some parameters around your work day. Do you need to get started earlier to have time for yourself later in the day. Or is turning off your computer at the end of the day your issue? Don’t Work goal – What are the days you won’t work. Think beyond just the weekend. Maybe you want Monday morning or Friday afternoon off. Maybe Wednesday is what appeals to you. Vacation goal – How much time off do you want to take goal? Even if you don’t know the dates, commit to the time. And if going somewhere this year isn’t in your budget, consider taking a week off as a staycation to recharge. Do something fun goal – What makes you happy and energized? Is it going to lunch once a week? Volunteering on Wednesday am? Taking a painting class? Working out? Commit to it and make it part of your 2024 goals. Exercise goal – Make a plan for moving. And put it in your business goals. Then you have to do it. A get off your plate goal – What tasks in your life drain your energy and suck your time? Which of those you simply not do. If they have to be done, then brainstorm other ways to get them done – hiring, technology, or trading? My work/life balance goals for 2024 are: -         Limit working after 7 pm (Stop/Start Goal) -         Take one weekend day totally off (Don’t Work Goal) -         Take at least 4 solid weeks totally off work (Vacation goal) -         Go for at least 1 hike each week (Do something fun Goal) -         Take a walk to the pool every day (Exercise goal) -         Use volunteers for dog transports as much as possible (Get off my plate goal) Yes, mine are probably a bit different than most people. And probably look a bit odd. But that’s the point. They work for me. My GoForth and Freelance Newsletter for all types of digital freelancers: Sign up for the freelance advice, stay for the Weenie (dog) stories  https://lnkd.in/gqaUPJ3i

Balancing Professional Success & Well-Being: My Five Post-Work Rituals - What's Yours? :D Following a reflective weekend, I have distilled my thoughts: In the pursuit of a successful career, striking a balance between professional achievements & personal well-being is crucial. The ensuing five practices or rituals not only enhance my professional growth but also foster my overall well-being. What’s yours? .1. Reflect and Review: Taking a moment at the end of each workday to reflect on my accomplishments & challenges. Consider what went well, what could be improved, and what lessons I have learned. This practice helps me appreciate my achievements & also sets the stage for continuous improvement. .2. Set Goals for Tomorrow: Before wrapping up for the day, outlining my priorities & set clear goals for following day. This helps me start the next workday with a clear focus & a sense of purpose. Prioritizing tasks in advance helps me increase productivity & efficiency. .3. Invest in Learning & Development: Dedicate time after work to invest in my personal & professional growth. This involves reading industry-related articles, taking online courses, or acquiring new skills that align with my career goals. Continuous learning is essential for me to stay competitive & advancing in career. .4. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Establish boundaries between my work and personal life. Engaging in activities that help me relax and recharge, whether it's spending quality time with family or simply unwinding with a good book. A balanced lifestyle helps contribute to my overall well-being & sustained career success. .5. Networking & Relationship Building: Cultivating & nurturing professional relationships. Attending industry events, connecting with colleagues on professional networking platforms, and participating in relevant forums. Building a strong network provides valuable insights & contributes to long-term career success. In my opinion & experience – by embracing these practices, we can pave the way for a fulfilling and sustainable journey, where success is not just measured by professional milestones but is deeply intertwined with our overall well-being. Your thoughts on these transformative rituals will be invaluable. How has your experience shaped your approach, and do you have additional insights that have proven impactful in your quest for professional success and holistic well-being?