How to Find Balance Between Career and Friendships?

Dear eNotAlone: I'm a 25-year-old female and I'm feeling stuck between two worlds that, despite seeming similar on the surface, could not be further apart. On the one hand I have my friends, who are my family and the people closest to me in the world. They care about me and I can rely on them for anything. But at the same time, there's this other side of my life- my career.

I know that career is important but I feel like I have to choose between friends and a successful career. I can't seem to find balance between the two and it's starting to cause a rift between us. My friends aren't always understanding when I'm too busy to hang out and they don't understand why a job is so important to me. On the other hand, my co-workers and bosses don't get why I want to spend so much time with my friends. I feel like no matter what I do or how hard I try, I can't make everyone happy.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and pulled in two different directions. What should I do to make sure I have both a career and a strong social life? How can I find the balance and make sure I'm happy no matter which path I choose? I'm desperate for advice so please help me!

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It can certainly be difficult to juggle the demands of your career with your friendships. It's perfectly normal to feel torn between the two, especially since you want to make everyone happy. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to strike a balance between your career and social life.

First of all, it's important to set boundaries for yourself and make sure you're not sacrificing too much of your personal life for your career. Make sure you're taking time out for yourself and dedicating separate chunks of time to your friends and your job. That way, you can focus on doing your best work while still having time left over to spend with your friends.

It's also a good idea to talk openly to your boss, colleagues and friends about your feelings. Let them know that while you value and need your job, you also need to make time for your friendships. It may also be helpful to explain to your friends why your career is important to you. They may be more understanding if they understand why you're putting in the extra effort.

Remember to prioritize your well-being above everything else. That means if one day you're too tired to go to work or hang out with your friends, don't feel guilty about it – instead, take some time for yourself. This will give you the chance to recharge and determine which activities bring you the most joy.

By finding a happy balance between your career and social life, you can make sure both you and those around you are happy and fulfilled. I hope this advice has been helpful.