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7 signs your work-life balance could benefit from an adjustment

April 19, 2024

Earlier this month marked National Work Life Week, which aims to encourage both employers and employees to focus on wellbeing and striking the right balance between work and life. The pandemic has accelerated trends in working practices, more people are working from home than ever before, which has helped create a better work-life balance for some. However, for others, it’s made separating work and personal life far more difficult.

When your work-life balance is out of kilter, it can lead to burn out and affect your wellbeing. So, if you recognise any of these signs in your life, taking a step back can help you strike a balance that’s right for you.

1. You struggle to switch off when you’re at home

When you leave work for the day and head home, do you struggle to leave tasks and worries behind you? If you do, you’re not alone. Many of us now find that we check emails outside of hours or even on holiday and spend some of our personal time finishing up projects. It can mean your relationship, hobbies and leisure time don’t benefit from having your full attention because part of you is still in work mode. It can be difficult, and at times taking work home is necessary, but setting clear boundaries is important.

2. Your sleep pattern has been affected

If you’re worrying about work and find it difficult to switch off, it can affect your sleep pattern. In turn, this can affect your health. Whether you struggle to fall asleep or find you wake up in the morning and still feel tired, it could be a sign that work is affecting your wellbeing. Making sure you have time to relax before going to bed and ensuring you get between seven and nine hours of sleep each day can improve wellbeing, mood and work productivity.

3. You can’t let go of imperfections

Attention to detail and perfectionism can be useful in a variety of roles and projects. But, in some cases, perfectionism can harm your work and mean it’s much harder to step outside of a work mindset. For example, if perfectionism means projects aren’t completed on time or you worry about small details when you’re outside of work, it could be a sign that you need to let go a little. Finding the right balance can be difficult but it can improve your personal time and working life.

4. You feel more irritable than usual

It’s no secret that work can be stressful and at times this spills over into our lives at home. But if you find yourself feeling more irritable than usual, it’s an indication that your work-life balance needs readjusting. When work is stressful, it can be tempting to focus on this to create solutions, finish tasks or keep everything running smoothly. However, having some time doing the things you enjoy means you’re in a better position to focus and think creatively if needed.

5. You don’t have time to invest in personal relationships

We often look at the time we spend at work as an investment. Perhaps you’re hoping to secure a pay rise or even earn a promotion in the future. However, it’s important to invest time in personal lives too. This includes the relationships with family and friends. Make time with the people you love and enjoy the company as part of your regular schedule.

6. You miss events due to an unmanageable schedule

If you often find yourself skipping events or missing out on time with loved ones because work gets in the way, it’s a sure sign that your work-life balance has veered too much towards work. Taking on extra work to get ahead or simply to keep on top of things can seem like a good idea, but if it means missing out on the things that you enjoy and look forward to frequently, is it worth it? In some cases, missing out on an event can’t be helped, but if it’s happening regularly, it may be time to look at what’s important.

7. You struggle to focus

An unhealthy work-life balance can mean you burn out and suffer from high levels of stress. It’s a state that can make it even harder to complete tasks as you struggle to focus due to feeling exhausted or simply not knowing where to start. As well as affecting your work, you may struggle to focus and be present in the moment when you’re outside of a working environment too.

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I would highly recommend Darius and John. I’ve used a financial adviser previously and could never get in contact with them when I needed their help. Stratton Wealth Management have been excellent from the start. They are always available to talk, and they also don’t talk in financial jargon!

Dave Rigby -

A client since 2015

Having recently transferred my financial management to Stratton Wealth Management, I have been extremely impressed with the highly professional service I have received. I feel I have been fully involved in all decision making, and the company's highly skilled advisers have shown commitment and patience in any dealings I have had with them. I have also always found them to be easily accessible for any discussion I may require.

Denise Thornton -

A client since 2019

As a business owner and father of four children, finances are usually the last thing we think about. Stratton oversees and manages our finances, both in terms of advice for my business and our personal investments. It is comforting to know that our retirement, investment and life insurance planning has been taken care of. Darius and John are always so efficient in dealing with our affairs. As someone with no real understanding of the ins and outs, it has been fantastic to have experts giving us great advice and making sure our best interests are always the top priority.

Lee and Claire Parkinson -

Clients since 2016

Darius deals with my family’s finances and is a very trusted adviser. We meet a number of times a year, but I know I can call him any time if I have any questions. He is proactive, helpful and friendly!

Jonathan Dennis -

A client since 2019

Darius has been our adviser for a number of years, and when he told us he was starting his own firm, we had no hesitation in moving with him. We had a number of areas that we needed help with, including the complexities around an employee share scheme, investments for us and our new child, in addition to our retirement planning. Darius has continually provided us with a first-rate level of service and we would highly recommend Stratton.

Eamon and Holly O’Hara -

Clients since 2017

I knew I needed to begin saving and planning for the future but didn’t know where to start. Stratton helped me to understand my finances and put together a savings plan that is affordable and works for me. I now have and an ISA and a pension, and whilst retirement is many years away, I have the peace of mind that I am saving for my future. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

Martin Corrigan -

A client since 2016

I have been impressed with the advice and service provided by Stratton Wealth Management and have always found Darius to be approachable, dependable and highly professional in his approach. It is reassuring to be able to have such a high level of confidence and trust when it comes to financial advice.

Russell Jones -

A client since 2018

Many thanks indeed for your in depth report for my client Mrs H – it is most thorough and above all readable. This might sound particularly strange; however you may well gather that in my profession we see many such reports, and I often feel that if the adviser fills it with charts and graphs it evidences a level of research. In truth most of what is produced is readily obtainable from the internet.

I would like to thank you (and your organisation) for your prompt and professional attention to my requirements on behalf of my client. As a practice we shall definitely be putting Stratton Wealth Management on our “preferred supplier list".

Colin Dunstall, Donaldson Dunstall Solicitors -

A client since 2015