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Clock out of work and clock into life
Plus: Happy Holidays from all of us!
The Work-Life Balancing Act
How Not to Lose Your Cool
Take Care of You.
Your career is taking off, but is your personal life slipping through the cracks? The grind can be all-consuming. Long hours, constant notifications, and the pressure to "succeed" faster than ever can make anyone feel like a burnt-out candle, not to mention the lack of boundaries (work emails at 10 p.m.? Yep, we've been there).
And here's the kicker-you're not alone. Around 77% of global employees report experiencing burnout, and 83% say their personal relationships take a hit as a result.
The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply.
Learn from the ones who came before you (yes, Millennials, we’re talking to you)
The first step to achieving a better work-life balance is to accept that the issues are real. But this doesn't mean that work-life balance is just another corporate buzzword.
RoadMap suggestion? Take a multifaceted approach.
💼 Create Clear Boundaries
Define your work hours and stick to them. Whether it’s logging off at 6 p.m. or turning off Slack notifications, give yourself permission to disconnect.
🕰️ Master Time Management
Try tools like Trello or the Pomodoro Technique to tackle tasks efficiently. Break down big projects and celebrate small wins.
🚀 Manage Ambition Wisely
Don’t let others define what success means for you. Set realistic goals and remember: progress is still progress, no matter how small.
📱 Unplug Regularly
Designate no-tech zones or hours in your day. Believe it or not, even if you're just scrolling through TikTok, using your electronic devices (the same ones you use at work) can keep your brain in alert mode.
If someone tries to guilt-trip you into working more, you should know that companies that prioritize work-life balance see 85% higher productivity and better employee retention. And if that's not enough motivation, know this: saying "no" to overwork now sets you up for a more sustainable and fulfilling career in the long run.
Hot Off the Press!
Women are more likely to juggle unpaid labor.
Morgan Smith
Burnout from workplace stress has reached its highest levels since 2021, with over 40% of desk-based workers reporting burnout, according to Future Forum research. Burnout is characterized by energy depletion, negativity, and detachment from work, with women and workers under 30 being most affected.
Younger workers entered the workforce during the chaotic period of a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tension. Layoff anxiety, unstable career paths, and fluctuating return-to-office policies exacerbate their stress. Many feel a lack of control over their professional lives, leading to increased disengagement and dissatisfaction.
Experts highlight the lingering effects of the pandemic and societal pressures as contributing factors to burnout, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Curated Clicks
Dream Bigger, Live Freer.
This might seem like a strange pick for a recent college grad looking to land their first big job, but hear us out! There are actually quite a few things worthy of gleaning if you read between the lines.
In essence, The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss is really just about rethinking how you approach work to maximize impact, efficiency, and fulfillment—whether you're aiming for that dream corporate role or planning to climb the ladder.
Here’s how Ferriss’ ideas can work for you right now:
Don’t just mass-apply for jobs. Instead, prioritize roles and companies that excite you. Tailor your resume and cover letter to stand out, and use LinkedIn to connect directly with hiring managers.
Automate the grind and save time by setting job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. Use outreach templates to streamline emails. And, organize applications with tools like Trello or Notion. By the way, RoadMap can help with all of this!
Choose roles that align with your values and offer flexibility or growth opportunities. Even in a corporate setting, aim for a balance that feels meaningful to you, whatever that looks like, because it won’t look the same for everyone.
Why It Matters
You’re not just looking for a job – you’re designing your career. By applying these principles, you’ll not only stand out as a candidate but also set the foundation for a work-life dynamic that feels meaningful and sustainable.
The corporate world might not be a 4-hour workweek, but it doesn’t have to be a grind either. Focus on efficiency, building systems to make your search easier, and looking for opportunities that let you work smarter, not harder.
RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.