Are You Doing Too Much?

3 SET LIMITS ON WORK

Speak to your employer about your work and your priorities. And do not feel guilty about having a life away from your job.  The book Work to Live says:  "Those who put up boundaries between job and home or take vacations find one consistent revelation. There is no apocalypse  while you are gone."

Gary, quoted earlier, was financially comfortable, so he decided to reduce his working hours. "I talked with  my family  and suggested that we simplify our lifestyle," he said.   "Then we gradually took steps to do so.  I also approached my employer with a  proposal to work fewer days each week, and he agreed." 

4 MAKE FAMILY TIME A HIGH PRIORITY

Husbands and wives  need to spend time together, and children need time with their parents.  So avoid trying to match the pace of other families who are constantly on the go.  "Declare some downtime," Gary suggests,  "and drop things that have a lower priority." 

When your family is together, do not let television, cell phones, or other devices isolate you from one another. Share at least one meal together each day, and use mealtimes to talk as a family.  When parents heed that simple advice, their children enjoy greater well-being and do better at school.

In conclusion, ask yourself:  'What do I want out of life? What do i want for my family?' If you desire a happier and more meaningful life, set priorities that reflect the proven wisdom found in the Bible. 

TECHNOLOGY AND TIME PRESSURE

Do smartphones and tablets increase time pressure or relieve it?  The answer depends or how these tools are used.

At work:  Mobile devices can giver workers more flexibility in choosing when and when and where to work.  But they can also  make work more stressful by creating  the expectation  that workers will be available at almost any hour of the day or night.

At home: Cell phones may reduce  time pressure by making it easier for families to coordinate their activities. However, these devices can also intrude on family time.  Studies indicate that children who have to compete with devices for a parent's attention may become frustrated and prone to behavioral problems.



Next time:  'A Good Name Is Better Than Great Wealth

From the jw.org publications