We want to take a moment to address the struggle we all face during this crazy busy season in the accounting world. We know it can feel like a juggling act but with the right mindset and strategies you can find that sweet spot between work and personal life while still chasing after your career dreams.
Below are the tips we have learned first hand to survive and thrive through busy season - if you find them useful, let us know!
We know we say this a lot, but we will never stop preaching it. Take care of yourself and prioritize self-care.
Make time for activities that recharge you mentally and physically, whether it's exercising, spending time with loved ones or even just taking time out of the day to be still. If needed, we would encourage you to put it down in your calendar.
Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Since the WFH wave began it’s become harder to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Working from home has its perks, but it also can blur the lines between your personal life and your work life. We find it useful to create a designated workspace at home and stick to that area, so when it comes time to finish up for the day it’s easily out of sight, out of mind.
With that in mind, it’s also useful to determine specific hours for work and try to stick to them. Communicate these boundaries with your team, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring they understand your availability. It can be challenging at first, but trust us that finding a routine that works for you and sticking to it does wonders for your mental health and overall productivity.
Recognize the power of delegation and collaboration. You don't have to carry the workload on your shoulders alone. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, and foster a collaborative environment where you and your colleagues can support each other.
Utilize effective time management strategies to maximize productivity and efficiency. Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and create a schedule that allows for breaks and personal time.
There’s no need for fancy software for this. You can use your calendar to block out time for breaks and certain tasks to help set realistic deadlines and better structure your day - give it a go.
Remember you’re not in this alone. Connect with other accounting and finance professionals who are going through the same challenges. Use LinkedIn to seek out other professionals and join industry associations, networking events, or online communities to share experiences, exchange advice, and build a support system.
Remember, finding that work-life balance is an ongoing journey, and it's different for everyone. Be patient with yourself, show yourself some love, and adjust as needed. You've got the power to create the life and career you deserve.