Problem: I am unable to find time for my family and myself due to the workload, resulting in increasing mental stress.
Problem: I am unable to find time for my family and myself due to the workload, resulting in increasing mental stress.
Work vs. Life: How to Maintain Balance
Johannes Schmidt, 38, software engineer, Munich, Germany
My name is Johannes, a software engineer by profession. I work for a large company in Munich, where I have to work long hours every day. I have a wife and two children, but due to the workload, it is not possible to spend enough time with them. I go out in the morning, come back at night and go to bed exhausted. It is becoming difficult to find time for myself.
As a result, I am suffering from a kind of sadness—the distance between my family is growing, I am not seeing my children grow up, and my own mental stress is increasing. Sometimes it feels like life has become limited to work. But I don't understand how to balance the demands of work with family responsibilities.
Askly Help's compassionate solution
Dear Johannes,
Your feelings are completely normal, and you're not alone. In today's fast-paced work culture, it's really hard to balance work and personal life. But trust me, it's possible—you just have to make some conscious changes.
1. Determine the true value of your time
Review how much time you spend on work each day, and how much time you have for your personal life. Are you doing things that aren't directly your responsibility? Are unnecessary meetings, excessive email checking, or perfectionism wasting your time? If so, cut back on them.
2. Learn to say 'no'
Accept that you can't do everything. Taking on extra responsibilities at the office, handling everything at home—isn't it better to avoid these things? Learn to say 'no' to unnecessary tasks, which will free up more time for your important tasks.
3. Use technology to your advantage
Since you're a software engineer, you understand the power of technology. Use some time-saving tools—like task management apps (Trello, Asana), time tracking software (RescueTime, Toggl). These will help you understand where your time is going and how to spend it more effectively.
4. Make small but deep connections
Your family may not want you around all day, but they do want your attention. Spend at least 30 minutes every day doing something that connects you with your family—playing with your kids, eating dinner together, or just talking. Put your phone or laptop away during this time so they know you're really making time for them.
5. Make time for yourself too
Aside from work and family, your personal time is also important. Maybe you enjoy reading, cycling, or listening to music—do something that will recharge you mentally.
6. Do a 'digital detox' once a week
Take at least one day a week away from work emails and office calls. Maybe Sunday? Spend time with your family, get out in nature, and boost your creativity. You'll see that your stress levels will be significantly reduced.
7. Talk to the office if necessary.
Many companies are now working on 'work-life balance'. Talk openly with your boss—is remote work one day a week, flexible timing, or workload reduction possible? If your boss also understands that this will increase your productivity, then maybe it will be possible to find a solution.
Life is not just about work, the true beauty of life is relationships, love, and personal peace. If you can manage your time properly, you can create a beautiful balance between family, your mental health, and career.
Good luck to you, Johannes! You are not alone, many of us are struggling with the same thing. But this balance is possible through gradual, small changes.
Let your journey of change begin.
Johannes, when you start making these changes, it can be a little difficult at first. Long-standing habits don't change overnight, but you can benefit from taking steps. Any change is only effective when it is consciously implemented. I'll end with some practical steps that you can start today.
1. Make a small change today
Today, after returning from the office, instead of spending extra time on the computer or phone, spend at least 30 minutes talking to your family. Maybe you'll listen to your children's stories about school, or go for a walk with your partner.
2. Make a plan for the coming week.
What changes do you need to make to bring a new balance between your work and personal time? Make a list. Maybe it's taking 15 minutes for yourself at the end of each day, or skipping certain office meetings.
3. Create a recharging routine for yourself
Do something you enjoy at least once a week—maybe jogging, reading a book, or watching a movie. This will reduce your stress and make you feel more creative and energized.
4. Celebrate small victories
If you set a goal of spending just 15-30 minutes with your family every day, then praise yourself when you achieve it. These small changes will gradually change your life.
Last words: Enjoy life now.
If you sit around hoping that life will be okay one day, it will never happen. Life is here and now. . If you start making changes today, you will gradually see that your work pressure is decreasing, love in your family is increasing, and new energy is being generated within you.
So don't delay, Johannes. Take a small step today, because you have to build your life. You are not alone—there are many like you, who are taking step by step towards a beautiful, balanced life.
Best wishes,
Askly Help