How to Balance Job Responsibilities With Career Development
Balancing job responsibilities while pursuing career development is a challenge faced by many professionals today. In this article, insights from a CEO and a Software Engineering Manager provide valuable strategies. The first tip highlights the importance of blocking time for professional growth, while the final tip emphasizes scheduling learning during meeting gaps. Discover all eight expert insights to optimize time management for career advancement.
- Block Time for Professional Growth
- Integrate Development with Daily Activities
- Use Pomodoro Technique for Learning Blocks
- Plan Weekly with Time-Blocking
- Schedule Tasks Based on Energy Peaks
- Prioritize with Intentional Time Blocking
- Make Career Development Non-Negotiable
- Schedule Learning During Meeting Gaps
Block Time for Professional Growth
I've always been one of those people who needs to put everything into a calendar, or something that should take 30 minutes bloats to multiple hours due to a streak of perfectionism. This is the approach I use for personal development as well, since blocking time—where I dedicate specific blocks in my week for professional-growth activities, like taking an online course or attending webinars—is about the only way I manage to get some done. I set aside an hour or two weekly, with actual blocks on my work calendar, usually in the morning, to work on these activities when my focus is at its peak. By treating these development blocks as non-negotiable appointments, I ensure that my learning isn't sidetracked by day-to-day work.
Integrate Development with Daily Activities
By making them one and the same, ideally. I never manage to make a lot of time for formal upskilling, which is an occupational hazard of being both a mother and a serial entrepreneur, so I need to make sure that my activities line up with making my businesses function while also making sure I am developing as a leader for supporting those businesses in a smarter way as they grow over time. It means having a few things you're willing to try on a daily basis that are a little better than what you were doing before, even if it is something really small like changing how I run stand-ups.
Use Pomodoro Technique for Learning Blocks
I balance my job and career development by setting dedicated 'learning blocks' in my schedule, treating them like any other high-priority meeting. A time-management tip that's worked well for me is the Pomodoro technique—it helps me stay focused and maintain a clear boundary between work tasks and development goals, keeping me productive without feeling overwhelmed.
Plan Weekly with Time-Blocking
Balancing job responsibilities with career development takes deliberate planning. One time-management tip that's been a game-changer for me is "time-blocking."
At the start of each week, I set dedicated blocks for both my core responsibilities and personal-growth goals, like learning new tools, staying updated on industry trends, or building my network. This way, I ensure that my main tasks, like team check-ins and project planning, get my full attention without taking time away from my development.
For example, I might reserve an hour every Wednesday to read up on the latest in marketing strategies or HR technology. By treating personal growth as essential rather than optional, I keep my skills sharp and stay adaptable in my role. It's helped me grow while keeping up with the demands of a busy schedule.
Schedule Tasks Based on Energy Peaks
Balancing day-to-day responsibilities with career growth requires a strong sense of priority and clear planning, especially in a demanding field like tree services. My focus is on carving out dedicated time for growth each week, even with a packed schedule. I set aside a specific window early in the morning for reading up on industry advancements, safety standards, and arboriculture techniques. For example, recently I was working on securing a new certification to enhance our services at Ponce Tree Services. By allocating just one hour each day toward study time, I was able to achieve my goal without interrupting daily operations. This allowed me to stay focused on my team's needs and customer projects while still advancing my knowledge and skills.
One time-management tip that works particularly well for me is scheduling tasks based on energy peaks. After years in the field, I know I'm sharpest in the early hours of the day, so I tackle complex tasks like customer consultations or training updates then. I reserve afternoons for operations that require steady attention but less creativity, such as equipment maintenance checks or team meetings. This method ensures I stay productive and engaged without burning out, and it allows for steady, incremental progress on my professional development alongside our daily responsibilities.
Prioritize with Intentional Time Blocking
Balancing job responsibilities with career development is a challenge, especially in a demanding field like physiotherapy. For me, the key is intentional prioritization. I block out specific times in my schedule not only for my work at The Alignment Studio, but also for my own professional growth, whether it's attending advanced training or staying updated on the latest research. My commitment to this balance has roots in my 30 years of experience, which taught me that staying current in our field requires an ongoing investment in learning. This structured approach ensures that I'm consistently advancing my skills while still being fully present for my patients and team.
A key time-management strategy I've used for years is time blocking with clear boundaries. For example, when I was preparing to expand our clinic's offerings to include new services like podiatry and nutrition, I dedicated set hours weekly for strategic planning and discussions with prospective team members. During these blocks, I was fully focused on building our multidisciplinary model and refining our patient care philosophy. By keeping these hours protected, I was able to focus deeply on what I needed to accomplish without distraction, allowing me to launch these services effectively and in line with my vision. This method has helped me stay efficient and achieve ambitious goals without compromising patient care or team support.
Make Career Development Non-Negotiable
To balance my current responsibilities with furthering my career, I put all activities in my calendar. I have specific time slots that are dedicated to career development. These are then non-negotiable. People then do not book over them, and the time is consistent and focused.
Schedule Learning During Meeting Gaps
I currently manage my job responsibilities with pursuing further career development by scheduling time on Fridays, which tends to be my most meeting-intensive day. On no-meeting days, I focus on being as productive as possible to complete the highest number of tasks possible to ensure I can show I'm always shipping stuff. On days with more meetings, I tend to schedule in some learning because I find it difficult to get into a flow state in a short one-hour gap, but those gaps make learning and career-development time fit into the day better.
