A successful woman, today is expected to think like a computer, look like a woman and work like a dog. Is this too much to expect from one person? A recent study shows that 70% of double income families, especially if they have kids feel that work interferes with family life. At least 50% feel that they don’t spend enough time with family. Another survey reported that 82% of Indian women are stressed out.
Let us consider the responsibilities at home.
Preparing Food and Drink
Cleaning the House and making the beds
Getting clothes ready
Shopping for food and other necessities
Managing a comfortable atmosphere
Deciding the rules
Preventing and dealing with conflict
Indoor Maintenance (Plumbing, electrical and architectural)
Outdoor Maintenance (Roof, Lawn, Plants, etc.)
Automotive Maintenance
Household Bills, Checking and Saving Accounts, & Personal Financial
Investments
Household Services (Gardening, Security, Painting)
Entertaining
Care of Pets
Identify which members of the family can take charge of the activity. Remember the new man is the Raymond’s Man, who is allowed to change a baby happy or shed a tear. Reflect on which activities can be out sourced. Don’t try to do everything yourself.
Here is a questions that you can use to share the tasks with different members of the family.
What Where When How Who Remarks
Today the family has gone nuclear and we all worry that the shock absorber is under attack. “It needs a village to bring up a child”, says an ancient proverb. We need to replace the lost village and the disappearing joint family, with a new network.
Build Networks with in-laws, parents, neighbors, support staff, friends, local library, school, teachers, colleagues, and hobby centers health clinics
Steps to Develop Work-Life Balance
Love yourself enough to outsource
Take short relaxation breaks, at least thrice a day.
Eat fresh, energy-giving foods.
Take a walk outdoors during lunch break.
Spend time reading and improving your mind.
Involve family members and children in your work. Bring them to the office during lunch break or on a Saturday.