Contrary to popular opinion, work/life balance is not unachievable in electronics repair. Its fostering is rooted in the involved tech’s psyche. Centered on their willful decision to commit to good habits and routine; not to rely, solely, on aids like cell phone repair shop software to make ends meet. The drive to burn rubber to the full while at the workplace – and to leave it all once the shift hours conclude.
This might seem like a simple undertaking to field non-affiliates. But domain insiders know it to be anything but. ??♂️
A Word on the Typical Repair Tech Disposition
Cell phone repair techs, for one, are an insular bunch. They are not used to traversing outside their narrow habitations. Tarrying beyond the safety of repair stations and repair shop software to the rigors of the outside world. Plus, the incentive for added earnings vis-a-vis repairs keeps them chained. The ‘why quit when you can do just one more fix?‘ disposition.
So, a repair tech boasting any semblance of work/life balance is, indeed, a rarity. More often than not, the workers who profess to possess the said virtue are charlatans. A dangerous bunch that can do more damage than good to their undertaken device charges. Misleading the client with regard to their submission.
Still, there are some things that the field-immersed can do to offset any instances of burnout. Prescriptions that were taught to me by one of my early mentors. Advice that I’ve tweaked over the years; in line with my own circumstances. And this is the gift I give to you.
Because as any repair tech can relate, there is no monetary substitute for good, timely instruction. In practice, this is worth its weight in gold – if not more.
So without any further ado.
My Four Experiential Work/Life Balance Guarantors
Just so you know, it’s more than ok to tailor these pointers to suit your situation. They are not set in stone by any means. And nor are the opinion takes you find elsewhere on the internet on the issue. It’s all subjective.
To achieve good work/life balance in repair, consider:
- Drafting a No-Compromises Schedule
- Dedicate 30 Minutes Daily to Uninterrupted Exercise
- Fix the Weekend for Pure Recreation/Relations Bonding
- Practice Meditation
As a potential fifth, I’d also recommend travel if you can afford it.
In particular, you might want to visit countries in the developing world. Walk among the underprivileged in Africa or India for a good grounding.
Exposure to other cultures can provide many benefits; the least of which is a perspective shift. An awareness of what is actually important.
In the West, and especially in America, we tend to lose sight of these things. Our lives are centered on abject materialism – the drive for more acquisition. At some point, we have to draw the line on when it’s enough. The point where your work and personal lives achieve a comfortable balance. A kind of dialectic, even, which is mutually reinforcing.
Also – on a side note – learn to wean yourself off of your business’s POS software every now and then. I know this is hard to do since the said interface is your shop’s main currency puller. But your health and continued sanity take precedence.
Now, let’s dig into each of our four work/life balance guardrails.
A ‘No Compromise’ Work/Life Schedule
This will be hard at first but, trust me, the effort pays off.
You have to start by learning and committing to set boundaries. The rejoinder ‘No’ is a worthy ally here – you need to use it without guilt. Take note of the mantra:
‘Only a full cup can pour into cups that are empty’.
I hope the analogy to the assertive, boundary-setting, individual is clear.
Set time for work during the weekdays – and do your best job while you’re at it. This means less time spent bantering with colleagues and more on the actual repairs.
I can tell from experience that within an eight-hour shift, wonders can be wrought. Full, razor-sharp, focus is a real-time-saver. It allows you to cut your deliverables time by half. And it ensures a greater quality of output: the harbinger of pleased customers.
Once you’re done with the day’s load, log off. I mean this in the infinitive, absolute, sense.
Don’t listen to your phone or respond to work-related correspondence. Over time, your colleagues and superiors will learn to respect your boundaries. In any case, you’ve done the work you’re being paid for. So there’s no reason why you should be on the line after hours.
Just say ‘No’ and live your real life.
This is the only way to rejuvenate yourself for the next shift.
The 30-Min Workout Regimen
There was a time when I used to be your typical couch potato. I disregarded my elders’ advice to take up daily exercise – relegating it to the world of placebo. It was only after I felt the full brunt of my cell phone repair routine that I decided to ‘grow up’ on this front.
I began with the manageable basics.
Fifteen minutes of walking outside my shop block. On alternate days, I used to bicycle my way around the same route. Here, the repeated prompts from my subscribed cell phone repair shop software provided all the push needed.
Gradually, I picked up the pace and took the sessions up to 30 min. This was when I really started to notice the health perks of the regimen. My bloodwork showed drastic improvements – and I could feel the mental clarity take root. All of this, naturally, translated into better work and happier customers.
The Weekend Recreational Fix
I can’t stress how important it is to willfully break your routine on your off days. If you don’t, you’ll be headed for a massive burnout. The type of work fallout that even the above prescriptions won’t fix.
Do something spontaneous and exciting on your time-out. Spend bonding time with friends, loved ones, and acquaintances. Avoid all talk about work. Feed the child in you – the source of our creativity and rebirth. Don’t succumb to the soul-crushing ‘dryness’ that comes with non-stop work or stereotypical ‘adulthood’.
At the end of the day, you’re a human being who needs out.
Work is a means to an end – not an end in itself.
Meditation – a Daily Failsafe
Meditation, for me, involves stillness, bodily readjustment, and moderated deep breathing. It is the centering force that realigns our innate biological systems to their equilibrium position. A godsend during times of stress, heavy feeling, and workplace turmoil.
Start by following the 7-8-6 routine.
Breathe in, deeply, through your nose for seven seconds and hold for eight. Exhale in whistling gusts for six.
Repeat 10 cycles for instant, emotions-placating, relief.
You can thank me later in the comments for this.
In the final analysis, then, work/life balance is totally achievable in cell phone repair. It just requires a certain vantage change at the right age. The ‘good habits practiced’ – as my cell phone repair shop software terms them – will follow soon. And it won’t be long before you’re a pro at the game.
