Struggling to balance work and life as an IT professional?

While I do not disagree in principle, we must recognize that each task “matters” to someone. This will create angst with those whose asks are prioritized as less than #1. The key here is to have the support of management to help shield those who are doing the work on a day to day basis.

If you struggling to maintain balance between your work / studies / personal life, you could use -> Prioritization -> Delegation -> Time Mgmt by using Calendar (block time for important tasks / studies etc) and follow it diligently. -> Seek Support (human / automation)

Separate Work and Personal Time: Define clear work hours and follow them, and make time for yourself and family. Prioritize: Set reasonable deadlines for the most urgent tasks. Take Breaks: Breaks can stop burnout. Even short breaks can help you refresh and focus better. Exercise and eat healthy: This can make you healthier and more energetic, making stress easier to cope with. Use Technology Wisely: Use technology to be more productive but also disconnect to avoid being always available. Ask for Help: Reach out when you need help, whether it's sharing work or getting support at home. Employee Assistance Programs: Some organizations have programs to help employees with personal and work issues. Use them

I have exercised many of these principles. I am nearer the end of my career than I am the beginning, but this is vital in my experience. Many will respond that “if I set boundaries then I fear being labeled as uncooperative or a poor teammate”. My response to this is if your organization fails you in this regard then perhaps you need to find another employer. While this is uncomfortable, one must prioritize self-care. Failure to do so leads to burnout and even illness, not to mention the potential for poor results.

Setting boundaries is crucial. First, establish clear start and end times for work, and stick to them rigorously. Avoid answering calls and emails outside of working hours. Delegate tasks whenever possible and learn to say no to excessive demands. Prioritize your well-being by reserving time for exercise, hobbies, and family moments. Take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout. Remember, a healthy balance between work and personal life not only improves your quality of life but also enhances your productivity and professional satisfaction.

Delegation isn’t just about offloading work—it’s about empowering others. Encourage growth by giving team members ownership of specific areas.

While I don’t disagree in principle, it is vital to understand (for leaders in particular) that automation does NOT fix everything. Automation WILL FAIL at times for a variety of reasons.

Use project management tools to organise & prioritise tasks efficiently. I implemented tools like Trello and Asana to keep track of ongoing projects and deadlines. For example, during a critical system migration, I created detailed task boards to assign specific responsibilities and timelines to team members. Set realistic goals and manage expectations to avoid overcommitment. I carefully assessed my workload & set achievable targets for both short-term and long-term projects. For example, I broke down a large infrastructure upgrade into manageable phases, setting milestones that were realistic given my time constraints.