ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR WORKING WOMEN (PART 3 OF 3)
9. Manage the
breaks
· A
break in your career need only be a pause, not a full stop.
· Whether
it’s maternity leave, illness or extraneous circumstances, you can manage your
break keeping your career needs in mind.
· Returning
from a break, you will only need to convince potential employers that you are
as sharp as ever and an invaluable asset.
· Going
back to an ex-employer or ex-boss is almost always easier.
· You
can also use the time to enhance your career by working as a part-time
consultant or acquiring additional skills.
10. Make the
most of your time
a. Automate
personal finances
· Save
4 hours a month.
· Automate
routine expenditure and investment tasks.
· Link
regular bill payments to your credit card or bank account.
· Link
your bank account to an automatic/recurring deposit scheme.
· Ask
service providers to send online bills/statements.
· These
save you the time to record and file.
b. Work the
commute
· Add
up to 10 hours a week.
· If
you commute by car, invest in a driver or join a car pool.
· Use
this time to answer e-mails, make calls, write notes, catch up with friends or
even take a nap.
· If
you travel by public transport, try juggling your travel schedule to get a less
crowded ride and elbow room to use the time productively.
c. Smarten the
phone
· Add 1
hour every day.
· Invest
in a good smartphone, Internet on the go, and learn how the phone works.
· Treat
your device as a mobile computer that also makes calls.
· Now,
put empty, wasted minutes during the day to good use—catch up on reading books,
answer routine e-mails or research your industry numbers.
d. Shop online
· Save
4 hours a month.
· Reduce
the time spent in travel and at the brick-and-mortar stores.
· Explore
the world of online ordering for all your shopping needs, including books,
electronics, clothing, even groceries.
e. Reward the
staff
· Save
2-6 hours a month.
· Much
time can be saved if you get better service from the people who work for
you—the maid, cook, parking lot attendant, waiter at your regular lunch joint,
office secretary, tech-support team, etc.
· Choose
to acknowledge and reward desired service levels.