Adjusting to working life and creating balance

Have you just entered the workforce for the first time? Or just started a new job? Perhaps you have worked in the past but had a long break with unemployment. Whatever your situation, it can take some adjusting to get used to working life and having a good work-life balance.

It can be both an exciting and challenging time having to get up to an alarm when you’re not used to it, trying to remember all the names of your new colleagues, understanding your new role and responsibilities.

So here’s some tips to help you to adjust to working life:

• Stay organised – set reminders in your phone or write on your calendar, set a recurring alarm that goes off at the same time every day
• Get plenty of sleep – you may even need to adjust your bed time depending on what your new work hours are. Always aim to get around 8 hours of solid sleep
• Minimise the morning rush – prepare your work clothes the night before, make your lunch ready, write yourself a to-do-list
• Check for Road Works or Accidents before you leave for work – to make sure you won’t be late
• Try to socialise with your new work mates outside of work, to help build a rapport and get to know each other better. Understand what each other’s strengths are and how you can help each other in your roles
• Don’t be afraid to say no – if you’re feeling exhausted after having a big week at work, then take some time to rest. You’re friends and family will understand if you just need some “me time”
• Spend some time outside in nature – especially if your new job is based indoors. Soak up some vitamin D and get some fresh air.

Work – Life Balance

A good work and life balance means you have harmony between different aspects of your life, where benefits gained from each area can support and strengthen the others. 

There’s a great article by Health Direct on this topic. Check it out here >>

Over the years we have interviewed employers, managers and small business owners and asked them “How do you manage work – life balance?” – here’s some of their responses which may help you:

Natasha and Brendon Garred the owners of PJ’s Fruit & Veg Lismore

“It’s important to manage your time well. There’s no point in working 12 hour days and then just going home to bed.

We still make time for hobbies, sport and family.”

David Waite the Park Custodian of Timbertown 

“As a business owner, I must say my greatest challenge is getting the work/life/home relationships balanced. I struggle with that, because I’m a workaholic, I love where I work – I love coming here every day. My children are now all adults, so that does make it a little easier and my wife works full time with me as well. We try to go on holidays when we can, but our lives are heavily revolved around work. Probably not the best scenario, but an honest one.

I hear it every day, from visitors that come in here, who may have a high paid salary job in the city, which they totally dislike. I just could not imagine. Life is far too short to be involved in any work situation that you really dislike. I think finding something that you are passionate about and following that, is extremely important”

Fiona Welsh, Sales and Marketing Manager at Macleay Options:

• “Listen to your HR department when they give you advice and information
• Try to leave work on time
• Make sure you have your lunch break
• Take annual leave breaks when you need them
• When home, don’t look at any of your work related devices, concentrate on your family
• Remember to have some “you” time doing what you enjoy, hobbies and interests“

Tracy Burling, Residential Manager at BaptistCare Kularoo Centre

“In an environment like ours, where you are surrounded by a lot of people, don’t self-isolate. Don’t think that it’s all up to you; you have one pair of hands, you don’t have to do it all on your own. 

Yes, you are expected to work really hard, but not to the extent that when you get home to the ones you love there is nothing left in the tank. Don’t spend 80 hours a week at work; go home to your family or loved ones.

Pace yourself, prioritise your workload and manage your time well.“

Justin Zulamoski, General Manager of various Childcare Centres on the Gold Coast

“With the industry that we are in and the amount of centres that we have – there are long hours to be worked. However, I believe that you should always find the time to do things that are important to you like your hobbies, interests, friends and family.“

Don’t forget – ETC is here to help!

We hope this information has helped you with adjusting to working life.

• Make sure you let us know as soon as you start your new job. You can either call 1800 007 400 or submit the details here >>
• Please retain all of your payslips and provide a copy to your ETC Jobs / Youth Advisor.
• If you are unsure of any area of your job, please speak to your employer or contact your Jobs Advisor, don’t just leave!
• If your work hours conflict with appointments with ETC, please remember to notify us to reschedule. Work comes first!