Everything You Need to Know About Business & Career

There's a reason that careers in business are so sought-after: every industry has a demand. Whether the job is in sales and marketing, finance, health care, consulting, entertainment or entrepreneurship, there is a wealth of opportunities to be found. Everyone has unique skills and interests that can help them succeed in different kinds of jobs, no matter the industry. 

Another reason this kind of work is so popular, of course, is the pay. Some positions, even at the entry level, can bring in over $100,000 a year. In today's high-rent world, that can be enough for anyone to become married to their work. 

But like any job, it is important to make sure that there is balance between work and home. Out of balance, unmanaged stress can go through the roof, which can have a negative impact on one's overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as the relationships between partners, children, and friends. The stress and lack of rest results in fatigue and a weakened immune system, which can then lead to recurring illness and even substance abuse as a coping method. 

Back in the day, as they say, work life and personal life were much easier to keep separate. When we clocked out, we were clocked out. Now though, work can easily follow us home because we have cell phones, emails constantly coming in, and even apps designed specifically for keeping in touch with coworkers and clients at all hours of the night. Time that used to be spent at home decompressing or spending time on hobbies or with family and friends gets eaten up by work long after the day has ended. 

How can we make sure we have a healthy work-life balance? It starts with setting boundaries. Grab a calendar or planner, even just a piece of paper and a pen. Blocking out work time and me-time can give you a visual representation of how you're spending your time. Really look at it and ask yourself if it's healthy. For example, if you find that you're leaving all your chores for your only day off, try to break it up into mini cleaning sprees throughout the week so that your off time can be spent on your hobbies or with your loved ones instead. 

This next one can be difficult for those who work from home, but it's important: limit how often you check your email. The habit of checking our email first thing in the morning makes us prioritize others rather than ourselves, which can snowball into a day of “work” when you're meant to be present at home. Even on work days, this makes us put off things like breakfast and stretching as part of a healthy morning routine, or rest breaks throughout the day in favor of tending to clients. Make a habit of penciling in quality time with yourself, whether for self-care, hobbies, or even just having a fun game night with those you're close to. 

An abundant, successful career and a happy, healthy life at home are both possible. It just takes some evaluation of priorities and showing up for yourself. Remember, nothing is more important than your health. If you feel that even reworking your chaotic schedule is too much for you to handle and the stress is really wearing you down, remember that professional help is always available. Counselors and therapists are a great resource, and some companies even offer assistance to employees.