People who work a traditional 9-5 job may find it easy to disconnect from work once they clock out. Self-employed individuals, on the other hand, can struggle with that separation. If you’re self-employed, you may feel you should always be available to your clients, customers, or those you work closely with. However, not being able to step away from work and find a balance between work and your time outside of work can lead to burnout and can cause issues in your personal life. You can achieve a healthy balance between work and personal time by setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Boundaries are the key to balance
Setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries for yourself and those around you can promote a healthy work-life balance. You may not be able to clock out at the end of every day, but you can allow yourself to only deal with urgent issues during non-working hours. Non-emergencies can be dealt with the next time you’re on the clock. Ensure that your employees, clients, and customers are aware of your availability, and allow yourself to step away from communication when you’re off the clock.
The benefits of a work-life balance
It’s good for your mental well-being to allow yourself to relax and focus on non-work-related things like hobbies, time with family, or even just doing nothing at all. Giving yourself permission to step away from work can help you do better at your job. When you take time away, you can return to your work responsibilities feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Even the most work-focused people can find themselves benefitting from time spent away from anything related to work.
Balancing work commitments with other parts of your life can be challenging when you’re self-employed. You may think you should be available 24/7 in case something needs your attention, but this attitude is not necessarily good for your mental well-being. By allowing yourself to completely check out from work on occasion, you can find a balance that gives you the freedom to enjoy life outside of work while still meeting your work obligations.
