This is a guest post written by Dr. Barbara Roberts, Executive Director, MSU WorkLife Office.

Fall has always felt like the real new year to me. The heat begins to abate and cozy fall clothes come out of the closet. Summer flowers make way for the more hearty autumn foliage, and barbecue menus give way to crisp apples. School starts, with new courses, books, apartments and friends, and as faculty and staff, we gear up to meet the new class and a year full of challenges and triumphs shared, both at home and at work.

This fall in particular, many of us look forward to a fresh start, after tumultuous spring and summer semesters. I want you to know that the WorkLife Office is here to help you with all of those transitions, added stresses and busy fall tasks as you start afresh. From relocating to a new home to locating care for children or elders, we can help.

Studies show we are more inclined to spend the same amount of money on objects that don’t provide happiness than on help that would save us time and energy. Turn over a new fall leaf in your favor, and try logging in to Care.com to find the support you need with in-home services like housecleaning, fall garden clean-ups, pet care, errands, etc. Let someone else help so you can do more of what brings you joy in this new academic year.

The WorkLife Office is also committed to helping connect you to the resources you need and connecting you to your community in meaningful ways. We are dedicated to helping you start this new year smoothly, honoring your work and personal lives with fresh approaches.

We encourage you to join our email list to keep updated on the many educational opportunities available to you through our office as well. Stay tuned for information about this year’s Fatherhood Forum, Women’s Networking Association and Academic Women’s Forum schedules, our annual WorkLife Conference – this year’s focus is on “Building Community in a Culture of Change,” and several Lunch and Learn workshops to help set you up for success this year!