In Tales from the Glass Ceiling Jo Haigh offers women an inspirational guide to success in the male-dominated business world – a goal, as she makes clear, that does not mean losing your identity.
Work/Life Balance Survival Guide
If you get the chance, choose your workplace carefully. Look for signs of enlightened management, happy faces and a centrally sited coffee machine. Should you encounter anyone crying in the toilets or spot people rocking backwards and forwards on their office chairs, go elsewhere.
Consider coaching to find a successful recipe for a work/life balance.
Buy in help. It’s hard to be nanny, housekeeper, cook and chief executive all at the same time. Farm out some of the tasks to which you are less suited.
Make lists so that nothing slips under the daily radar.
Be proud of being a parent or a caring sibling or offspring. It’s not something to be ashamed of.
Never miss your child’s play, nativity or school event, you will never get a second chance.
Don’t feel guilty if you eat the odd takeaway or use convenience food.
Just as you pledge time to the office, do the same to those at home. Keep your promises so you cannot be charged with preferring work to family.
Take holidays, even if it’s time at home, and plan them in advance so you have something to look forward to.
Know your limits and don’t exceed them. Being superwoman is old hat.