- One of the challenges career women face is finding balance with the respective demands of career and family
- Employing some strategies and being flexible can help balance both worlds without feeling burnt out
- Here are tips to help women navigate their career and family life
Balancing a career and family is a challenge many Nigerian women face today. Finding the right balance can feel overwhelming with the demands of a fast-paced work environment and the responsibilities of raising a family.
However, with the right mindset and some strategies, it’s possible to manage both worlds without feeling burnt out.
TheRadar compiled some tips to help Nigerian women navigate balancing career and family pressures.
6 tips to help women balance their career and family
- Prioritise and plan ahead
One of the important factors in balancing work and family is knowing how to prioritize. Understand that you can’t do everything at once. Some days, work may take more attention, and on other days, family will need you more. What’s important is having a flexible plan. You can create a weekly schedule to allocate time for work tasks and family activities. Knowing what needs to be done each day helps you manage your time effectively.
You can prep meals on weekends for the week ahead, or organize school items the night before. This saves time during busy mornings and reduces stress.
- Set boundaries
It’s important to set clear boundaries between work and family life. With many Nigerian women now working from home or having flexible hours, it can be easy for work to spill into family time and vice versa. Learning to switch off from work during family time is essential for balance. Communicate with your employer and let them know when you are available and when you need to focus on family. This way, expectations are managed.
Create ‘work hours,’ even if you work from home, set specific hours for work. Once those hours are done, focus on your family without distractions.
- Delegate and share responsibilities
Many Nigerian women feel the pressure to be ‘superwoman,’ managing both work and household duties single-handedly. The truth is that trying to do it all can lead to burnout. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Try to involve your partner, if you have a partner, work together to share household responsibilities. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, or helping with the kids can be divided.
You can also consider hiring help if it fits into your budget. Hiring domestic help can reduce the burden of housework, giving you more time to focus on work and family.
- Take care of yourself
In the hustle of managing a career and family, many women neglect their own well-being. However, self-care is essential for long-term balance. If you’re exhausted or stressed, you won’t be able to give your best at work or home.
Carve out some me-time, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, and find time for yourself to relax, exercise, or pursue a hobby. It can make a big difference in reducing stress.
Stay healthy by eating nutritious meals and get enough sleep. Staying physically and mentally healthy will help you manage the demands of your busy life.
- Be flexible and adaptable
Balancing a career and family is not a one-size-fits-all process. Life will throw unexpected challenges your way, whether it’s a project deadline at work or a family emergency. Being flexible and adjusting your plans as needed is key to keeping things in balance.
Accept that balance is not always perfect, some days you’ll feel like you’ve got everything under control, and other days might be chaotic. That’s okay.
Every few months, take time to reflect on how things are going. Are you spending enough time with your family? Is work taking too much of your energy? Make adjustments where necessary.
- Build a support system
No one can do it all alone. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system can make balancing work and family much easier. This could be family members, friends, or professional colleagues.
Lean on family and friends. Don’t hesitate to ask grandparents, siblings, or close friends to help with childcare when things get overwhelming.
Find a mentor. Look for women who have successfully balanced career and family. Their advice and experiences can guide you in finding your balance.
Meet the women leading central banks around the world
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that 29 central banks are governed by women out of the 185 central banks worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Among them are Jasmina Selimović, Governor of Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH), Elizabeth Genia, Governor of Bank of Papua New Guinea, Michele Bullock, Governor of Reserve Bank of Australia and Gaye Erkan, former Governor, Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.