Introduction
Problems are at the center of workplaces and even in the daily life. These problems may be large and complex or small and easy to solve. Either way, the process of solving a problem has to be in an orderly manner. The sections involved are the definition of the problem, analysis of the problem, generation of potential solutions, analyzing them, selection of the most appropriate, and then planning the implementation process (GDRC, 2016). This paper seeks to seek a solution to a specific problem scenario using the six steps outlined above.
Scenario 3: Problem Solving
The scenario involves lack of time, poor health conditions, and overworking. These three factors make up the problem that needs to be solved. Taking two jobs and numerous responsibilities are the cause of the lack of time to relax or do other activities. These stresses can be tied to the high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight issues. Both of the problems should be addressed in order to come up with an all rounded amicable solution. This necessitates an in-depth analysis of the problem.
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Problem analysis involves checking what the situation is and what constitutes the problem (GDRC, 2016). In this case, I have two jobs; one during the week from 9:00 am to 6.00 pm, and the other on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Furthermore, I am also taking two classes, one from 6:00 to 10:00 pm and the other online. I am also aiming at completing my degree in two years. This implies that I have little to no time during the week to do any other activity. The only free time is a few hours on Saturday and the whole Sunday. But then again, this time, has to be divided between seeing my elderly parents who cannot drive, my two siblings who both live miles away, coaching my child’s soccer team and fundraising for my other child’s band concert, and completing two papers due in the same week. My doctor also tells me my cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight is high which requires $200 worth of medication per month.
There are multiple solutions that can be considered to solve the problem analyzed above. Once could be quitting the second Saturday job. The other solution could be requested for an off for the busy week from the Saturday job or for a few hours of the weekday job. Another alternative would be to seek help from other individuals. This could include seeking elderly care for my parents, getting help in the roles of coaching and fundraising, and seeking professional help regarding my health condition and ways to lead a healthier life. Things that are not of immediate concern such as the two siblings that live miles away can also be put off until a later date when there is time. Extending the time to complete the degree can also offer sometime during the week carry out other activities.
Evaluation of the possible solutions is necessary so as to determine the good and bad points about the solutions. It also helps to determine other things that are relevant to each solution (GDRC, 2016). Advantages of quitting the second job include more time to perform other activities and less overworking. Its advantage, however, is that there would be a reduction in income, especially now that there is medication expense. A request for an off from either or both of the jobs could also provide some time to handle the busy week. Its advantage is that I can always go back to the routine once the busy week is done. This is not a long term solution though, because a busy week might occur again in the future. The alternative of seeking help from other individuals could function to ease the workload and stress involved in the problem. Hiring a caregiver for my parents and getting an alternative coach and fundraiser manager can provide the time needed for studying and working. Some of the help, however, adds to the expenditure such as hiring a caregiver and seeking professional health advice. Unnecessary or things that are not of immediate concern should also be stroked out of the problem so to focus on the important issues. Extending the time required to complete the degree might reduce the workload during the week, but will also mean I will not be able to meet my two-year target.
The various factors influencing each of the solutions should be looked through in order to decide which solution to keep and which one to disregard (GDRC, 2016). In my case scenario, the best solution will combine multiple solutions considered in the evaluation section. In selecting the best solution, I had to make sure it was effective, caused the least interruption to my schedule, and solved the overworking, lack of time, and health issue. The solution decided on was to drop some of the responsibilities. Included in the decision is: employing a caregiver for my parents, seeking help with the coaching and fundraising, and seeking professional advice on how to lead a healthier and less stressful life. I would also strike out unnecessary things from my list of problems. Despite the costs involved, I believe these solutions will provide the opportunity to continue working my two jobs and complete the degree in time. Seeking professional health advice will also reduce the medication costs in the long run. The overall idea is to avoid quick fixes by creating a long lasting solution for the problem.
The next course of action would be to decide what needs to be done to achieve the solution. A good solution needs implementation, and that’s what this section will cover. The implementation involved doing things in the prospect and ratifying that they have been done as premeditated (GDRC, 2016). The first thing to do is to consult the soccer and band management immediately to express the desire to obtain alternative help. If the need arises, I will write a formal leave of absence from both responsibilities. To them, I will explain that I would not be able to deliver optimum results due to other professional and educational engagements. I would then do a search for an appropriate caregiver for my parents. This will save me more time in future to carry out other activities. Next, I would seek professional health advice. The advice could include regular exercise, avoidance of stress, and healthy living. In this case, I would have to create a plan so as to adjust to the new lifestyle. I will evaluate my progress every day for the next one week to ensure I stay on the plan’s course. This solution is the most effective of the possible solutions generated earlier. This is because it is a long lasting solution and will not compromise much on work, education, or health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a structure is important when solving a problem so as not to omit anything . The six-step problem-solving process used above ensures a problem is understood well to help acquire the best solution. The case scenario discussed in the paper can be effectively solved through dropping some of the responsibilities and seeking help from other individuals. The solution will require constant evaluation to gauge its success as discussed above.
References
GDRC. (2016). The Problem Solving Process. The Global Development Research Center . Retrieved from http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html
