ORGANIZING TIPS FOR WORKING WOMEN: Technology: To Buy or Not To Buy; That is the Question

How do you deal with technologies that are supposed to save you time and money, but often don’t?

Technology is a double-edged sword when it comes to making life simpler and saving time. While it may do both of these things, there is a dark side. As working women, we feel compelled to fill that newly-saved time with even more things to do, thus complicating our lives rather than simplifying them.

Before you purchase any type of new technology, ask yourself, “Do I NEED this item?” Or “Do I WANT this item?” If I purchased every piece of technology that I WANTED, I’d need a new building in which to store it all!

Women have to be careful when we bring anything into our lives, but technology requires even more caution. There are several reasons for this:

• Technology is costly.
• Technology usually becomes obsolete as soon as you get it home.
• You may not be getting everything you need.
• You may be getting way more than you’ll ever need!
• There may be learning time and ongoing maintenance involved.

A working woman’s dream is to lead a balanced life, both personally and professionally; therefore, you need to do your homework on the technology that you are considering. As a Certified Professional Organizer®, I know that all systems are not meant for everyone. Don’t just think of the day that you buy it…think of it one, two or three years down the road. Is it worth the investment? Can you see yourself growing into or out of it?

On the other end of the spectrum, don’t waste an exorbitant amount of time debating whether or not a product is going to be just “perfect” for your situation. Striving for perfection is exhausting, squanders time, and probably drives those around you crazy! We just bought a new LCD TV. I did so much research, that by the time we made the purchase, I couldn’t remember the features that we wanted in the first place. My poor husband was a tad more than frustrated!

You need to take your daily routine into consideration; there is no one-size-fits-all solution with technology. Just because a colleague or friend recommends a new “toy” to you doesn’t mean you should buy so you can say that you have the latest “cool” device out there. Be sure it fits into your life.

Look logically at the long-term effects of your purchase…and if it will save you some time, buy it, but refrain from filling that saved time with another task. Look at it as newly found time to spend with loved ones or to relax for a while by yourself.

To buy or not to buy? For working women who love technology, that is the question.