Essay on Time Management: Life Work Balance

Generally, it is everyones ambitions to become successful at work, sports, singing, dancing, talking with friends, and making money among other things all at the same time. However, there are challenges that make attaining this balance between 3 basic aspects of life which are work, school and family near impossible. Naturally, people can succeed in many departments of life but fail in others. For a working student, maintaining good academic grades, spending time with family and friends and participating in social events is almost impossible. The concept of work-life balance includes the prioritization of work, and lifestyle choices. Whereas the two concepts are closely intertwined, the outcome of each is different. For instance, some of the desirable lifestyle choices include spending ample time with family, vacationing, and amassing sufficient wealth (Hyatt, 2016). Ironically, for an individual to lead a comfortable life, he/she must work very hard. Furthermore, those people who do not work are regarded as lacking a life. For this reason, balancing the two concepts becomes problematic not only to students, but also for working mothers, fathers and to some extent children. Ideally, people quest for a flexible work schedule which allows them to concentrate on the social, religious, and familial responsibilities (Merrill, 2004). Lack of a personal life is one of the leading causes of depression. Moreover, depressed workers have higher suicidal tendencies as well as low productivity. Given, this essay examines whether working college students have developed intervention mechanisms that would enable them to maintain Life work balance. Essentially, because of the constant struggles between academic, social, and work life, working students have not developed interventions to balance life-work. Nevertheless, there are multiple literatures, research and resources that can assist them in attaining this goal.

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Discussion

In an ideal world, whereby there are no disparities and inequalities in terms of employment, race, education, ethnicity, distribution of resources, and gender, life-work balance can be achieved. Realistically, the capitalistic and consumerist nature of the American people means that life is a daily struggle filled with many challenges and conflicts (Merrill, 2004). Consequently, people have to make sacrifices and choose between either work or life. For instance, in the case of a working student, during exams periods it is inevitable to forego work if they plan to excel. Inversely, for a self -sponsored student with a family who does not get tuition waivers, grants or bursaries, he/she must work extra hard to support their families as well as education. According to Boushley(2016) who works as an author as well as career counselor, life-work balance is one of the leading causes of stress and burn out for working college going students. Furthermore, the author suggests that the stressed out students become less productive either in their studies or work. Ultimately, Boushley (2016) indicates that the solution to the problem is to reduce the number of tests or examination offered at schools. Ideally, reducing tests will give students more time to engage in social and extracurricular activities. Moreover, since exams in schools are not going to be eliminated soon, a working student must prioritize and delve on what is most basic and important to him/her.

In essence, according to the premise laid out by Boushly (2016), life work balance can be achieved through the intervention of the learning and employ institutions. Conversely, Hyatt, a former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and teacher for the plan of living forward, suggests that life- work balance is purely by choice. By this, the author demonstrates that everyone can create and execute a plan that acts as a guide regarding the type of life they intend to lead. Moreover, regardless of whichever choice one makes, all aspects of human life cannot be satisfied. As a result, Hyatt advises students take life in stages and responsibilities handled as they arise. Although the authors intervention of developing a life-work balance plan is reasonable, it is not tenable for because of the myriad of variables involved in the life of a working student (Hyatt, 2016). More so for young adults who have to balance between the academic, social and work life. Nevertheless, working students can handle day to day responsibilities while making simple changes to create a flexible working schedule.

On the other hand, Merrill (2004), who is the vice president, leadership consultant, and teaches as well as the co-founder of Franklin Covey Company, explores the concept of life-work balance using a four quadrant model approach. According to Merrills methodology, all human activities can be categorized as urgent, not urgent, important and unimportant (Merrill, 2004). Ideally, this model is structured to direct a working student in making choices that would greatly promote both his/her life and work balance. Generally, the approach is unique based on time and the diverse situation of individual. While an aspect of an individual life may be urgent, similarly it can be unimportant and vice versa. For this reason, Merrill theoretical framework is concerned with the attainment of happiness rather than material property. As a result, the philosophy is based on the conviction that the family presents the key to happiness. Notably, in the course of his work, the author developed a self -assessment metric that evaluates elements such as work, life, time and money (Merrill, 2004). From the result, one can determine their status on work-life balance and therefore makes the necessary changes to improve his/her life.

Although maintaining a life-work balance is a paramount struggle, it is important for a persons physical and mental health. According to several sociological and organizational studies, conflicts between work and personal roles can cause depression. For this reason, employers should assist in developing flexible working conditions that allow their staff to spend time with their loved ones as well as attend to personal chores (Siva, 2014). Arguably, advances in technology have enhanced the flexibility regarding the locations which work can be carried out. Nevertheless, increased application of technology results blurs the line between personal life and work. Whereas in traditional employment workers operate in at a definite time frame, the working hours outside the working place are restricted. In a recent study conducted by the labor department, one of the top priorities for the current pool of job seekers is work flexibility (Siva, 2014). Similarly, for working students, a major concern is flexibility between school, work, and home. Although this report provides guidelines from studies that can be employed by everyone in the society to attain life work balance, it specifically targets adults working students, professors, and students who face similar challenges. Ultimately, according to research collected so far, the report concludes that working college students have not embraced the interventions of maintaining a life work balance. Some of the interventions include, having a life plan of activities. Nevertheless, the study acknowledges divergent and contrary opinions which illustrate how adult working students have successfully developed interventions to balance between personal lifestyle and work. As a result, this report suggests that further research and studies should be performed to ascertain the effectiveness of the interventions propagated by some scholars.

Solution

According to a study by Merrill (2004), individuals can attain a flexible work life balance by having a personal plan. The personal plan includes all the activities one partakes in order of priority. Moreover, each activity is allocated a duration or time period based on the importance and urgency. Alternatively, institutions can also assist working students by eliminating the abundant number of tests performed in school. Additionally, employers and labor laws can be amended to avail the employees with flexible working schedules. Ultimately, there is a need for further studies to ascertain effective methods that can assist people towards attaining work and life balance.

Conclusion

Lifework balance is a struggle not only to working adult students but all working Americans well as children. For students who work, attending lectures, spending time with family and friends and participating in other non-work activities is a difficult task. Nevertheless, there are various means through which people can have a flexible work schedule. Some of the interventions include reducing the number of tests in school, having a personal plan, and outlining important and urgent lifestyle concerns. Importantly, there are no precise methods of attaining a balance between life and works. The struggle is a process and challenges should be countered as they arise.

References

Boushey ,H, (2016,April). Finding time. City of Publication: Harvard University Press.

Hyatt, M., (2016). Living forward: A proven plan to stop drifting and get the life you want. New York: Baker Books Publishers.

Merrill, R., (2004). Life matters: Creating a dynamic balance of work, family, time, &money.Lehi, UT: McGraw-Hill Education

Siva R., (2014). Work-Life Balance: Thieme Medical Organizational strategies for promoting

Work-Life Balance and wellbeing. New York, NY John Wiley & Sons.

Week 5 Grading Rubric for First Draft Total Points Possible Total Points Earned

Criteria 75 66 Comments:

Central Idea/Focus: Topic, purpose, and thesis are clear and identifiable in the introduction; all ideas consistently address this main idea without off-topic or irrelevant ideas. 10 10

The thesis statement makes your argument clear, and the body paragraphs develop that focus.

Support/Development of Ideas: Ideas are sufficiently developed for each point. Ten points may be earned for each of the two sections of the document: Introduction and Problem Analysis. Section I: Introduction must have attention-grabbing story, topic, purpose, credibility, and why the topic is important; the thesis is graded above in the central idea. Section II must have main idea followed by support, such as the history, causes, effects, definition, evaluation, or opposing view. 25 22 Add an attention-getting hook to the introduction.The body is coming along well. Remember to end paragraphs by summing up evidence and connecting it to your argument. Explain each source in 2-4 sentences so that the ownership of the essay is clearly yours.

Organization/Structure: Sections are clearly delineated; the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning. All ideas are organized well without any missing or incomplete components. 15 15

The body of the essay is well organized and easy to follow. Youve used transitions effectively.

APA including Paper Format: correct title page, headers, second page title, margins, alignment, spacing, font, and size. In-text and end-text citations for at least three sources are listed in the References. Prewriting portion of assignment is completed and submitted with the draft. 5 points 15 10 The citation here is generally on track. See my comments within the draft for corrections.

Prewriting component is missing. Always review the weekly Directions & Document Formatting file in Doc Sharing to see what prewriting (if any) is required.

Grammar/Mechanics/Style:Grammar refers to correctness of language usage. Mechanics refers to conventional correctness in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Style includes word choice, sentence variety, clarity, and conciseness. Also, sentences vary in length and structure; ideas are clear, logical, and concise. 10 9 The essay is generally...