Go Home Earlier

4 time-saving tricks to get the upper hand on your late nights.

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It isn't just your job: According to the UN's International Labor Organization, Americans log in longer hours than any other workers in the industrial world. "Companies would take 24 hours a day if they could," says Laura Stack, author of Leave the Office Earlier. Some tricks to reclaim your life:

Nix last-minute interruptions Close your door ten minutes before quitting, so co-workers with "emergencies" won't drop by. Cubicle-bound? Turn on voice mail and put your bag and coat in a visible spot.

Map out tomorrow Before you leave, prioritize the next day. Plan important tasks for morning so you won't buy yourself a late night.

Schedule personal time Block out "appointments" with your family, your gym or yourself. If someone asks to meet at six o'clock, you can honestly say you're booked.

Minimize meeting time If only part of a meeting is relevant to your project, arrange to go first. Say you have another appointment you couldn't reschedule or a pressing deadline (even if it's just getting home on time).

From Reader's Digest - August 2004

 

• The Early Bird Catches No Break
• Many Americans begin work between 4:30 and 7:59 a.m. However, early birds have to slither out if they want to leave pre-5 p.m.
• 
• Slow Down, Get Happy
• Take it easy -- you'll feel better!
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• Work's No Day at the Beach
• Are you packing away your vacation days? Here's why it's getting harder to take it easy.
• 
• Fight the Energy Vampires
• Discover how to safeguard your spirit from 3 common thieves.
• 
• Making Your Job Work for You
• With the coming labor shortage, you'll have more freedom, more flexibility, and maybe even a fatter paycheck.
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• Are You a Workaholic?
• Not all workaholics are bad. Find out which category you fit.
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• Soothe Workplace Madness
• 36 ways to calm the chaos at work.
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