How well do you juggle? Stay sane when multitasking

Like it or not, multitasking seems to be the wave of the future. Technology, along with staffing cutbacks, is making it possible—and necessary—for all of us to do more than one job at a time. Instead of fighting it, remember that flexibility and higher productivity usually increase your employability.

When multitasking, here is some basic advice.

• Get clear objectives. Ask your manager how your different tasks will be measured. Find out what your deadlines are. Juggling too many projects indefinitely can lead to confusion and burnout.
• Focus on your core competency. Multitasking may require you to learn new skills. Challenge is good, but don’t lose track of what you already do best. Exercising your established skills will help you maintain self-confidence and minimize stress.
• Don’t overdo it. If you stretch yourself too thin with too many different tasks, you’ll wear yourself out physically and mentally. Be aware of your limits, and apply some balance to stay sane.