Daily Press

Remote employee needs to set boundaries

Dear Harriette: I’m 32 years old and have recently shifted to a remote work setup for the first time in my career. This change has brought about a unique experience, blurring the boundaries between my profession­al and personal lives. What strategies can I implement to maintain work-life balance and prevent burnout while working remotely? — Drawing the Line

Dear Drawing The Line:

During the pandemic, many profession­als faced this challenge head-on. Suddenly, they were at home, seemingly working around the clock with virtually no breaks and no end to the day. Unfortunat­ely, this cycle has continued for many people who work either completely remotely or on a hybrid schedule. You are right to be concerned and eager to strike a balance between your work and home lives.

Pause and reflect on how you structured your day when you went into the office. Look for habits that benefit you, such as getting up at a particular time, personal hygiene rituals and eating. Think about when you did those things, and include them in a daily schedule. Plan an end time for your day, and log out of your computer at that time. Let any co-workers who might be impacted by your departure know that your day is ending. You can allow an emergency SOS, but make it clear that you want to receive texts or urgent messages only if they really cannot wait until the next day. Be sure to negotiate this with your boss so that you aren’t viewed as insubordin­ate or uncaring. It is OK to have a life and work hard, too.

Dear Harriette: After graduating from college at 23, I secured a job in Chicago. While it’s an exciting city, I hadn’t visited before apartment hunting for my big move. Now, after residing here for six months,

I’m facing difficulti­es in making new friends. How can I navigate the social shift post-college and forge meaningful connection­s in this unfamiliar place? — Making Friends

It takes time and vigilance to become comfortabl­e and connected in a new city. Chicago is a good choice

Dear Making Friends:

for a young profession­al, though, as it has tons of cultural events every week and a diverse population. What you must do is put yourself out there and explore. Look at online calendars to see what’s happening each week. Research activities that draw people to venues where you can talk, such as art openings, restaurant debuts, street fairs (when it gets warmer), concerts, etc. Notice the people on your job. Who is the most interestin­g to you? Invite that person out for drinks, and admit that you need some help branching out in your new town.