How Difficult is Balancing Family and Work?
You will probably not face many bigger or longer challenges than finding a balance between your family, life commitments, and time. You should note that once you’ve figured it out, and everything seems to be going great, something will change, and you’ll need to rework the entire system. But here are three things to consider as you work through the process.
Communication
Before you start changing your schedule, job or something else to find what you consider to be a better balance, talk with those involved. That means your employer, your partner or spouse, and your children (if you have them). What is most important to them? Dig deep in those conversations. Your employer might be perfectly happy if you started work a few hours earlier every day so you can leave earlier as well. Your partner may currently need more help at a particular time of day and is frustrated that you don’t help more. Your children might need special attention and more time during a transition they are going through. It is hard to find the balance between your family and work if you don’t know what is most important to those involved.
Planning You may hate to-do lists or calendars, but let’s face it, you have to start keeping track of several people’s schedules and needs. You need a tracking system so things don’t get forgotten, so you can make plans for the kiddos events or important work deadlines. A family calendar can provide that along with all the important celebration dates, like anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and even a monthly date night with your spouse. While you are at it, you might consider what time is best to review the schedule with your spouse. Also, having at least one date per year with each child will give them a special time where they hold all of your attention for a couple of hours. If you plan this for four months after their birthday and your spouse doing another one with them four months later, then each child gets special attention three times a year.
Taking care of yourself While we are discussing all that you need to do and provide for your job and family, don’t forget your needs. Schedule time at least once a month when you can do something that makes you feel special. Include in this category making sure you eat well and stay active physically. Get regular checkups and do all you can to assure your joy, as well as fitness, so you can be there with your family for decades into the future.
When you feel balance in your life, at least as much as it is possible to do, you can find success in your work and accomplish your dreams. All while keeping the love and support of those you treasure above all others. Jonah Engler is a NYC based entrepreneur.
Jonah Engler is a finance expert and an entrepreneur from NY. He has a family of three which he lives together in the UES.