Do You Want to Become an Auto Mechanic? Here are 4 Secrets to Keeping Your Work and Life Balanced
In today’s workaholic world, work-life balance might sometimes feel more like a nice myth than a truly achievable option. Sure, it would be a nice thing to have, but realistically getting there might seem like a whole other ball game. In fact, according to some recent polls, work-life balance in Canada is decreasing.
For those trying to juggle their studies with other responsibilities, balance might seem especially tricky. Fortunately, there are a few secrets to achieving work-life balance that you can use to smooth out the journey. What are they and how can you use them when beginning your mechanic training? Keep reading to find out!
1. Try Working With Your Natural Rhythm
Do you love waking up early in the morning to get a head start on your day? Are you more of a night owl, or maybe somewhere in between?
It turns out that everyone feels a little more productive at different times of the day. If you find that you’re always hitting a brick wall at 3pm, that might be the best time to schedule in some down time rather than try to power through and study. By planning your schedule around when you feel most and least energized, you can make the most of your time and achieve better work-life balance.
2. Avoid Taking on Too Much at a Time
Sometimes it can seem tempting to run a few extra errands, take on a few extra shifts, or get a bit of extra practice by offering to fix up a friend’s car. There’s nothing wrong with being there for others and lending a helping hand, but it’s also important to leave some downtime for yourself too.
Completing mechanic courses takes plenty of time and diligence, so it’s a good idea to make sure you don’t overload yourself too much. Sometimes saying “no” (or saying “maybe later”) is important to maintaining balance between your studies, work, and life.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help at Mechanic School
Spending a long time trying to work out a particularly tricky problem is certainly admirable. However, it might not always be the best strategy time-management wise. If you’re having trouble with a concept you learned in class, or have a few questions about auto repair you feel unsure about, try asking your instructors or a fellow student for help.
Sometimes asking for a little help can be the best way to overcome a challenge. It can also be a whole lot faster than trying to puzzle through it on your own. Once you begin your studies at mechanic school, don’t be afraid to ask for help from time to time.
4. Make Sure to Set Realistic Goals
Sure, it would be nice to study for hours, go to the gym for another few hours, work a double shift, have a spotless house, and have a lengthy heart-to-heart with a close friend. However, that might not all be possible in the same day.
Try to set realistic goals for your time, and try to be gentle with yourself if you have an off day. It’s okay to feel tired, and it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Rather than try to achieve everything all at once, instead try setting smaller goals, or break up large ambitions into smaller steps that are easier to tackle. This way, you’ll avoid overloading your schedule and feeling burnt out—which is all key to achieving great work-life balance.
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