With many people now working remotely, it can be hard to have a clear separation between professional and personal life. The line can easily blur, causing burnout and difficulty in recharging.
Liam Wilson (pictured left), director of Elevate Accountancy, shares his a day in his life and how he makes sure that he maintains a structured routine to balance work demands with his home life.
Before work
7:30am – I usually wake up at half seven. The first part of my morning is dedicated to getting ready and making sure my dog, Winnie, is taken care of. Winnie has epilepsy, so I ensure she gets her medication on time. After that, I always message my gran, who lives alone, to check in with her and keep in touch.
8:00am – I go for a short, brisk walk around eight. This clears my head, gives me fresh air, and helps me wake up fully, especially since I’m not much of a morning person. It’s my way of kick-starting my energy before heading into my work.
Since I work remotely most of the time, with only one day a month spent in the office, I don’t have to commute.
During work
8:30am – By half eight, I move into my home office and get ready to start my workday. I begin by answering emails and clearing any admin tasks. I also handle any urgent issues that need immediate attention. Once the essentials are done, I focus on planning my day and prioritising the tasks ahead.
Monday and Wednesday – These days are focused on working in the business, tackling tasks like accounts, tax planning and strategy for clients.
Tuesday and Thursday – I dedicate these days to meetings. I meet with clients to discuss their financials, connect with new clients and network with other professionals and businesses in the local area. I also participate in staff meetings on these days.
Friday – Friday is my strategy day, where I work on the business instead of in it. This day is all about focusing on Elevate’s overall growth and strategy, with a particular focus on the four pillars: processes, people, positioning and pricing.
I love Fridays because they allow me to step back from the day-to-day work and think about the big picture. I also enjoy strategic thinking and working on ways to improve. It’s exciting to think long term about how we can grow and adapt. One of the most satisfying moments recently was when we introduced a new system that has saved us hours of work and improved client experiences.
Breaks
On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, I make sure to take a break and go to the gym during the day. It’s more than just physical fitness – working out after intense meetings or strategy sessions gives me a much-needed mental reset.
Afterwards, I return to work with fresh energy and clearer focus, which helps me tackle the rest of the day’s tasks.
Monday and Wednesday, I take a long walk in the middle of the day. This not only provides a break from sitting at my desk but also allows me to think more clearly. Some of my best ideas have come to me while walking and reflecting on my tasks.
After work
6:30pm – Working remotely has its perks, but one of the biggest challenges is maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life when your office is just down the hall. To combat this, I’ve learned the importance of structure – I have a strict workday end time, and at half six, I close my laptop and physically leave the office space.
When my workday ends, I transition from work mode by listening to podcasts or webinars. These help me build knowledge and often spark new ideas that I can implement in both my personal life and business.
I especially enjoy listening to topics that are directly related to business growth and leadership – these inspire new strategies and keep me up-to-date with industry trends.
I then spend time with my partner, Rosie. We enjoy going for a walk, cooking together or relaxing by watching TV. Sometimes we spend time with family and friends, which helps me fully disconnect from the workday and recharge for the next day.
On a personal level, I’m working on maintaining a better work-life balance. This year, I’ve made a conscious effort to unplug on weekends and dedicate more time to activities I enjoy outside of work. Whether it’s walking Winnie, spending time with Rosie or catching up with family and friends, I’ve found that these moments of relaxation not only recharge me but also make me a better leader when I return to work.
