Curl up with Rob Parson's The Heart of Success (£7, Hodder & Stoughton). This newly published book is packed with practical advice for executives about how to balance family and career demands. "Try applying one principle a week and see the change," raves one reviewer.

Try the TUC's Changing Times Published in association with the DTI, the book sets out a step by step plan for achieving change in your workplace. It particularly focuses on how learning can improve your motivation at work. The book costs £30 to non-members; to order go to www.tuc.org/changingtimes/.

Hire a life coach Your career, personal growth, home environment, relationships, finances and health are all subjects that a life coach will discuss with you to help you create a balance between them all. Each session costs £100 or more. Contact your local gym for information or the UK Life Coaching Academy on 02392-864323.

Go to www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk This DTI website offers detailed case studies of companies that are putting into place policies to improve the work–life balance. Especially useful is a 15-minute questionnaire to help you benchmark where your organisation is compared with work–life balance best practice.

Find a more flexible employer There is a handful of recruitment agencies that specialise in negotiating flexible working conditions. Try www.flexible-recruitment.co.uk for some ideas, or explain to a regular agency at the outset that the work–life balance issue is important to you.