Want better work/life balance?

Ask Kate Column:
PJ writes: “I’m close to handing in my resignation. I will be the 6th person in the last month. I want more work/life balance. How do I say in an interview or job application that I’m happy to work until midnight but I want to be able to take that time back soon after. I give a 150 per cent so I want to be frowned at if I take a long lunch or ask for a day at home. How do I ask for this without sounding like a spoilt brat? I’m 27.”

I don’t think you sound like a spoilt brat at all. Research potential employers and their policies on work life balance via their website or by quizzing the recruiter handling the job campaign or by finding someone who does, or has worked, at the company in question. At the job interview, test whether the company walks its talk.

Policies are all very well but they are useless if they are not practiced. When you are at interview, obviously you don’t want to bring up the lieu time policy straight off the bat. When you are asked if you have questions, then fire away.

Try: “I’m someone who will work until midnight to get a project done. In the past, my managers have then left it up to me to use the quiet time that follows to come in late or take a lieu day. The idea was to keep everyone engaged and energised. How does it work here?” Be low key, curious and keen. After job offer and before you accept could be a good time to negotiate on work life balance issues. This is when you have the most power.