My youngest son was hired by Amazon last year from college. He is an MTech and bright student, topper of his class. But the work life has been very hectic. He works 12 to 14 hour shifts even on weekends and day offs. Is this a healthy trend? I am a retired school teacher from Bihar, and my wife is a homemaker. I worked for 32 years and now help students in my free time. We worked hard but we were never so stressed. We are not sure we understand this generation how they work so much. Is this necessary? Can you please advise what to do in this situation? I am 72, my son is 24 only.

Ans:

Hi Sunita.

The best way to manage the stress is to consider yourself fortunate that your organisation has continued with your employment.

I’m sure you understand that the current economic scenario has not yet picked up and the job market is tough.

As far as your manager is concerned, set clear expectations with her/him at the beginning of the week/day.

Send her/him your task list and then an update at the end of the day/week.

Communicate through email so that it is well documented and there is no ambiguity.

You can also do some breathing exercises and ensure your diet is healthy to manage your stress levels.

Ans:

Dear PS,

Typical nuclear family with very little family support relies solely on the mother being the caregiver and this can result in a lot of frustrations. Understood!

But what exactly are you trying to do fighting the situation knowing that things might be the same for a few years down the line till the children grow a little older? Are you planning on being frustrated for all these years?

Also, someone needs to give your husband a talk on these gender specific remarks and pushing the job of the home to you.

Maybe he didn’t mean it the way it sounded, but well…

In the digital world, there is enough and more to do to use the skills that a person has. So why not explore, a work-from-home part time option?

Depending on what your expertise is and the time that you can give to the work from home option, why don’t you focus on searching for this?

This will require an amazing time management and organization skills on your part, so you are able to give it at least 3-4 hours a day.

This will not only keep you occupied and financially stronger, it will also give you a sense of direction and purpose which is what is currently lacking.

Also, if you have an option of a ‘nanny’ for even two hours during the day when the children can be kept busy, you can even have some time for yourself which will re-energize you.

Caring for two small children is no mean feat and make sure when you discuss the work-from-home option (If you choose this), with your husband, you emphasize how important it is for you along with managing the home.

The commitment ‘to do something for yourself’ will be the focus of your discussion and please do something before your frustrations start seeping out and get onto the kids which might eventually happen.

First, be happy yourself to nurture your home and family.

Step Up…All the best!

Ans: Hey Anagha, it sounds like you're juggling quite a few balls in the air—and let's face it, even the best circus performers need a break sometimes! It's understandable to feel frustrated when your work-life balance starts resembling a Bollywood drama with too many plot twists.

Taking a career break or exploring new job opportunities are both valid options, but before you make any decisions, let's sprinkle some strategic spice into the mix:

1. **Have a Heart-to-Heart**: Start by having an honest conversation with your manager about your workload and the impact it's having on your work-life balance. Sometimes, they might not realize the toll it's taking on you, so speak up and express your concerns. After all, communication is key, just like the perfect recipe for a spicy curry!

2. **Set Boundaries**: Boundaries are your best friends when it comes to achieving work-life balance. Set clear expectations with your manager about when you're available and when you need time for your family. And remember, saying no is not a crime—it's a superpower that ensures you don't spread yourself too thin like butter on toast!

3. **Explore Flexible Options**: See if your organization offers flexible working arrangements like remote work or flexible hours. With technology on our side, you can slay dragons from the comfort of your own castle (a.k.a. your home office), giving you more time to spend with your little one without sacrificing your career ambitions.

4. **Consider Your Options**: If the situation doesn't improve despite your efforts, it might be time to explore other opportunities. Look for organizations that prioritize work-life balance and offer a culture that aligns with your values. After all, life's too short to spend it feeling like you're stuck in a traffic jam on the road to happiness!

5. **Take Care of Yourself**: Last but certainly not least, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Whether it's indulging in your favorite hobbies, spending quality time with your family, or simply taking a moment to breathe, remember that you deserve to recharge your batteries just like your smartphone needs a daily dose of juice!

Finding the right balance between work and life is like mastering the perfect dance routine—it takes practice, patience, and a few missteps along the way. But with a little determination and a sprinkle of Bollywood magic, I have no doubt you'll find your rhythm and waltz your way to a happier, more balanced life!

Ans: Current Financial Situation Analysis
Let's assess your current financial situation and explore potential solutions to manage it better.

Income Sources:

Your husband's pension: Rs 4,000
Your salary: Rs 50,000
Major Expenses:

Children's education
Household expenses
Housing costs
It seems that your combined income is Rs 54,000 per month. However, managing with this amount, given your expenses, is challenging.

Immediate Financial Management Steps
Budgeting:

Create a detailed budget. Include all expenses: education, groceries, utilities, and housing.
Track spending and identify areas to cut costs.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover at least 3-6 months of expenses.
If you don’t have one, start building it slowly by saving a small amount each month.
Debt Management:

Prioritize paying off high-interest debts first.
Avoid taking on new debt if possible.
Increasing Income
Part-Time Jobs:

Your husband can explore part-time or freelance work. Options include consulting, tutoring, or clerical work.
Websites like Freelancer, Upwork, or local classifieds can offer opportunities.
Skill Development:

Invest in courses or training programs to enhance skills.
This can open up new job opportunities with better pay.
Utilize Assets:

If you have assets like property or gold, consider renting out space or selling non-essential items.
Education Planning
Scholarships and Grants:

Look for scholarships and grants for your children’s education. Many organizations offer financial aid based on merit or need.
Research online or consult school advisors for available options.
Education Loans:

Consider taking education loans if necessary. Choose options with favorable interest rates and repayment terms.
Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds:

Invest in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner. They provide professional management and diversify risk.
Opt for regular funds rather than direct funds. Regular funds offer professional advice and support from a CFP.
Avoid Real Estate Investment:

Given your current financial situation, avoid investing in real estate. It requires significant capital and is not liquid.
Actively Managed Funds:

Prefer actively managed funds over index funds. Actively managed funds have the potential for higher returns as they are professionally managed to outperform the market.
Long-Term Planning
Retirement Planning:

Ensure you are saving for retirement. Invest in options like PPF or NPS.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to create a retirement plan tailored to your needs.
Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage.
It protects against unforeseen circumstances and reduces financial burden during emergencies.
Final Insights
Managing your current economic situation requires careful planning and disciplined financial management.

Focus on budgeting, increasing income, and making informed investment choices. Seek scholarships for education and invest in mutual funds with professional guidance.

Your husband can explore part-time job opportunities to supplement the household income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in