Employment Spot

How to Juggle the Time Constraints of Full-Time Jobs

Believe it or not, most people like their jobs. Almost every job has something to like about it, from company perks to a feeling of achievement at an important job well done. But there are problems associated with working, especially with full-time jobs. Time constraints seem to keep people with full-time jobs constantly on the go, regardless of their home and family situations.

Parents who have full-time jobs especially report feeling a time crunch. While the traditional full-time job is approximately 40 hours per week, many workers today either feel pressure from management to work longer hours, or they simply cannot complete all their tasks within that time. The average work week for many full-time employees is longer than 40 hours, especially if you consider the amount of time dedicated to commuting or after-hour work functions.

When attempting to work full-time jobs, in addition to caring for small children and attending school assemblies and sporting events, parents simply cannot fit it all in. Some parents may find themselves exhausted on the weekend, far behind on household chores and tasks, and dealing with children who want their attention.

People without children still find it difficult to juggle their full-time jobs and other commitments. Many people find that managing time at the gym, caring for their homes and spending time with friends or family cannot all be accomplished in a timely fashion.

Full-time jobs seem to take up more and more of the average worker’s time, especially if one is working toward a promotion, bonus or raise.

Here are some tips for juggling the various commitments associated with full-time jobs and how people can have lives and full-time jobs.

• Keep a Schedule Close at Hand 
  Most people with full-time jobs have a work schedule already so that they can keep track of appointments and deadlines. But it is important to keep your personal schedule on the same calendar so that you can easily notice when you have double-booked yourself or stretched your time too thin. For example, if you have a meeting with a client scheduled until 5:30 pm, it may be difficult to make it on time to your daughter’s soccer game at 5:45, depending on your commute time. A calendar that combines the commitments of your full-time job with your family’s schedule will help you manage your time and track where you must be and when.
• Just Say No 
  While this is not always an option, sometimes you just have to say “no, thanks,” or “no, I’m sorry, I cannot.” Parents often report feeling guilty because they cannot attend every soccer practice or band concert for their children. Feel comfortable telling your children why you work long hours and that you do the best you can. On the other hand, practice telling colleagues or your supervisor that you have to leave early on occasion or that you may not have time to take on another project. Whenever you say “no,” be prepared to explain why in a calm and reasonable manner.
• Plan Ahead and Take Control 
  Many people find that the hours of a full-time job are stretched by meetings that run late or colleagues who regularly want to get a few drinks after work. Try to plan ahead when scheduling time for the commitments of a full-time job. For example, if your supervisor is always asking you to a happy hour, tell him on Monday that you’d like to get a drink after work on Wednesday. That way you can plan ahead and alert your family, friends or roommate to the fact that you’ll be home late that night. Planning ahead can minimize frustration for everyone involved.
• Try Flexible Scheduling 
  In recognition of the demands of balancing both full-time jobs and families, some companies are allowing their employees to create flexible working schedules. For example, some full-time employees work 4 ten-hour days instead of the traditional 5 day, eight-hour workweek. Other full-time jobs permit employees to work at home one or two days per week and telecommunicate with colleagues and supervisors. Another solution may be to adjust the traditional hours of full-time jobs. Some employees come to work an hour or two earlier in the mornings so that they can leave work before children arrive home from after-school activities. There are many ways to be creative with the schedules of full-time jobs. Consult your company’s human resources department or your supervisor to talk about any flexibility in this area.

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