7 Priorities for Higher-Ed Professors to Maintain Work-Life Balance

by Eftihia Arkoudis, D.M.A. University of Florida EVA Arts Collective and José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. University of Florida JV Music Enterprises

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In today’s academic environment, many professors find themselves significantly underpaid and overworked due to factors such as increasing administrative responsibilities, a rise in adjunct positions diminishing full-time opportunities, and growing pressure to publish, teach, secure external funding for research, and perform service work.

This situation, compounded by non-supportive leadership in some institutions, creates fertile ground for anxiety—a major contributor to health deterioration and emotional distress at home and in relationships. When family responsibilities, such as caregiving for children or elderly relatives, are added to this mix, these pressures can escalate quickly, leading to further strain on physical and mental well-being. The more alarming aspect of this is the latent nature of chronic illnesses, which often take time to develop but can become a permanent concern, forcing us into reactive therapy solutions.

However, adopting a more detached perspective—observing our emotions and conditions “from the outside looking in”—can help us recognize that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not just aspirational but crucial. In a system that often feels broken, achieving this balance may seem like “mission impossible,” especially if you’re currently in the thick of it. But the good news is that by taking small, intentional steps, balance is possible.

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This article provides a practical starting point:

 

1. Calculate Your Worth

In professional settings, particularly during challenging periods, taking a systematic approach to understanding your value can be a powerful way to track progress and advocate for yourself. One effective method involves assessing the responsibilities tied to your role, comparing them with similar positions in the broader market, and estimating what an equivalent hourly rate would be if the work were performed independently, outside of traditional organizational structures.

This process requires accounting for “phantom” or often-overlooked duties that extend beyond formal job descriptions. These include preparation time, administrative tasks, representing the organization at events, recruitment efforts, marketing initiatives, and the soft skills that contribute significantly to an institution’s reputation and success but are seldom acknowledged in compensation discussions. By including these elements in your calculation, you gain a clearer picture of your true professional worth, which can help you make informed decisions about your career trajectory and negotiation strategies.

Here’s an actionable exercise to get started:

• Break your annual salary into an hourly rate based on the hours stated in your contract, and then calculate your actual hourly rate based on the time you realistically dedicate to your job weekly.

• Compare your calculated hourly rate to industry standards for similar work outside your sector. This step offers perspective on how your compensation aligns with market trends.

• Evaluate whether your current time investment aligns with your compensation and if there’s a need to reprioritize duties to ensure balance and fairness.

To take this further, consider the return on investment (ROI) for the organization or client. If your work directly impacts revenue, reputation, or efficiency, calculate the value you generate versus what you’re paid. For instance, if your expertise increases efficiency or brings in additional revenue streams, you’re contributing beyond the role’s baseline expectations. This can empower you to negotiate higher rates or reframe your work as essential to your employer’s or client’s success.

Additionally, assess what you bring to the product, service, or niche that goes beyond the standard job description. Consider your expertise, unique perspective, or

specialized skills that differentiate you from others. This uniqueness adds value that market averages may not reflect.

Lastly, remind yourself (and communicate to others) that your individuality and contributions are not interchangeable. Even if you’re on a fixed salary, your impact can elevate the standing of your organization or industry. Recognizing and advocating for this helps shift perceptions, ensuring you’re not viewed as just an “everyday” contributor but as a professional with a unique value that’s essential to the broader mission.

This clarity not only helps you advocate for fair compensation but also educates clients or employers about the value of what you provide—aligning your worth with the advantages you bring to them.

2. Prioritize Family and Loved Ones

Once you’ve assessed how many hours you should reasonably dedicate to work

based on your compensation, use this as a guide when planning your week.

Ensure that personal relationships remain a core focus of your life. Quality time with loved ones fosters emotional resilience and strengthens your ability to manage professional stress. Although exceptions may arise during high-pressure periods, such as looming deadlines, the key is to return to a consistent prioritization of family. Memories made today are investments in your well-being and theirs.

Your institution likely offers several services and benefits to support both you and your family’s well-being, so it’s worth taking the time to explore what’s available or open conversation with your colleagues. These benefits are there to help you, so reach out to your Human Resources (HR) office and make the most of them. They can provide you with detailed information and help you identify programs that suit your specific needs.

Taking advantage of these resources can help you create a more balanced and supportive environment, reduce stress, and improve both your personal and professional life.

Tip: Dedicate at least one undistracted day each week to your loved ones. Plan activities that create shared experiences rather than just passing time together.

 

3. Schedule “Me Time”

Your role as an educator is deeply rewarding but also mentally and emotionally demanding. Over time, it can leave you feeling like a machine producing constant output with insufficient input. To counter this, prioritize activities that recharge your energy. This could mean engaging in hobbies, exercising, journaling, or simply setting aside quiet moments to reflect. Treat your personal time with the same respect you would give a supervisor or student appointment.

Consider this analogy: Just as an electrical circuit requires periods of rest to avoid overheating, so does your brain and body. Regularly “unplugging” prevents burnout and sustains your ability to support students effectively.

Further reading:

The Four Rs of Music Education https://nafme.org/blog/the-four-rs-of-music-education/

Inquire for Dr. Arkoudis’ 4 Ways to Prevent Burnout handout as presented at the 51st National Flute Association Convention (August 2023) during the panel “Keeping the Torch Lit: Strong Foundations for Flute Organizations”

 

4. Design Time-Effective, Thought-Provoking Assignments

In an era where artificial intelligence and other technologies influence education, designing assignments that are both engaging and practical is essential.

Focus on tasks that encourage critical thinking and creativity.

Focus on tasks that mimic real-world scenarios relevant to your field.

Focus on tasks that minimize the grading burden for yourself.Interactive projects or mentorship-style assessments can foster deeper student engagement while also streamlining your workload. This approach not only supports students’ professional development, who will engage with real world setting scenarios, but also ensures your own time is used effectively.

5. Carve Out Time for Research and Creative Endeavors

Even in the busiest weeks, prioritize small, consistent efforts toward research and creative projects. Establishing dedicated time slots in your schedule ensures steady progress, even if your time is limited by parenting or other responsibilities.

Practical Tips:

Use a system like time-blocking to allocate 2–4 hours weekly for research.

Break large projects into smaller manageable tasks or consider using the S.M.A.R.T. goals method.

When creating a to-do list for the day, consider dividing tasks into one difficult (D) and two easy (E) ones, using actionable verbs at the beginning of the sentence.

If large time blocks are not realistic for your schedule on a specific week, consider finding several increments of 30 – 25 – 20 minutes throughout the day.While challenges like limited funding or single parenting can create barriers, consistent, focused effort can yield meaningful results over time.

6. Consider a Side Business

Developing a side business offers financial stability and creative freedom, reducing reliance on a single source of income. Many fear that exploring broader interests might be perceived as a lack of focus or commitment in their field. However, diversification is not failure; it is resilience. When starting, treat the venture as a passion project or “me time” activity (see #3: Schedule “Me Time”). As you invest in it, you may discover opportunities to expand your professional network, foster creativity, and even build an alternative career path if needed.

7. Learn to Say No

Setting boundaries is essential for long-term success. As the CEO of your own career, identify your core values and craft a personal mission statement. This “North Star” will guide your decisions, helping you say no to opportunities that don’t align with your goals.

While there are several ways to go about creating a mission statement, it is important to acknowledge that it takes time. For the statement to feel aligned and authentic, one should anticipate many revisions. To distill into a single sentence, answer the following two questions: “Why do I exist?” and “What is my bold goal if I succeed?”

For instance, if an opportunity doesn’t contribute to your professional growth or personal well-being, decline it. Instead of feeling guilty, remind yourself that every “no” is a “yes” to something more aligned with your priorities.