商务英语 Level 5 Unit 1 Part 1 Dialo

Dialogue【Managing Her Time】

So, how have you been?
It's been such a long time since we last caught up.
Yeah, I think it's been over a year.
Since giving birth to my son Edward, I've found it difficult to manage my time at work and haven't been out socializing much.
Don't worry. I understand how you feel.
I felt the same when I went back to work after having my daughter Isabella.
Back then, I used to miss a lot of deadlines at work.

back then: 那时

Yes, I never used to miss deadlines, but now I miss them all the time.
I don't like missing them, but I can't exactly work late as I have to take care of Edward.
How did you cope with work after Isabella was born?
Well, it's not as hard as it seems.
One thing that helped me was keeping a schedule and setting time blocks for specific tasks.
For example, on a Monday, I now block out the morning to work on my reports, and I make sure the afternoons are free to call my clients.

used to: 曾经
cope: 应付

That's a great idea.
But what happens if you need to do some urgent work that was not scheduled?
Just remember to be flexible.
It's important to be able to change your plan if circumstances change.
I also try to avoid as many distractions as possible at work.
I find this allows me to focus on the things that are important.
You're right.
Putting my phone on silent would definitely help me concentrate.
This is all great advice.
I'm looking forward to getting back to my old self.

definitely: 确实地，明显地

It won't be exactly the same as before.
What do you mean?
You have a baby now, so you probably won't spend as much time at work as before.
Just concentrate on doing as much as possible in the time you have rather than trying to do everything.
Thanks Helen. You always make me feel better.
That's what friends are for.
Just don't leave it a year until we see each other next time.

Question

1. Why hasn't she been out socializing much?
   > She had a child.
2. What did she think about her friend's situation?
   > she understands how she feels.
3. Why does she have to leave work early than before?
   > she needs to take care of her son
4. What's easier than it seems?
   > managing work while raising a child
5. Managing work while raising a child is easier than it seems.
6. Having a child has had it harder for her to meet deadlines.
7. What is she looking forward to doing?
   > working on the way she used to
8. Why does she need to be flexible at work?
   > something urgent may come up
9. What won't be the same as before?
   > her work