Finding that work / life balance can be elusive, mainly since the cost of living (surviving) has gone up considerably and yet our earnings are actually declining in terms of real dollars. This leads to us to spending most of our time resources working while everything else ends up taking the backseat, even when we want it the other way. That's where you have to decide what matters most to you. Perhaps an alternative is to take control of your finances through investments that pay you back.

As a 25 year old newlywed, I'm not sure if I can say I've reached the highly successful part of my career, but I still am more successful than many of my peers. My field (student housing) is highly demanding especially since my property is undergoing a multitude of changes ranging from construction to staffing to implementing new systems. I'm finding this is something myself and my other co-workers (all females in their twenties) are struggling with.

I've challenged myself to no longer work the 16 hour days that left me feeling comfortable with my work load, yet left my family and friends feeling neglected. By making sure my focus is constantly on the task at hand (not thinking about the next report I have to complete, what I'm cooking for dinner, etc.) I'm able to more efficiently use my time. I always stray away from taking long vacations, instead opting for taking off a Friday and Monday to allow for an extending weekend.

I've also found in my experience that myself and my co-workers are unable to find a work/life balance because we have trouble delegating tasks and/or enforcing that those tasks be completed correctly. Knowing how to effective use my staff and resources has helped me tremendously to leave work a little after 6pm instead of well after midnight.

In my personal life I find myself taking the same advice. Reaching out to my husband to help me with household chores and errands takes some of the stress out of my day when I can come home to a (semi) clean house. Reaching out to family and friends about my work load helps them to understand while I'm so absent. It has lead many of my family/friends to become more tech savvy so we can text, email, and Skype to keep up our relationship.

My best advice is to multitask, but not both areas at a time. Answer a work email while you wait for a conference call or use headphones to catch up with a relative while you fold laundry. Don't try to update your (household) budget while you're in a training. It keeps you from staying focused and might not be appreciated by your superiors (or family).

I hope my advice helps those who are feeling overwhelmed. And I hope my efforts to keep the balance pay off in the end!