A person’s career success depends on several factors, but essentially, you need to have dedication and commitment if you want to enjoy the career you’ve always wanted to pursue. On the other hand, having a fulfilling life outside work is another thing and requires more effort and consistency. While many of us are able to be successful in their careers, many are also struggling to find the balance between the two, especially those who have a marriage and family life to think about.
If you and your spouse are career-oriented and you both want to keep a harmonious relationship and would like to raise your kids in a loving environment, you’ve got a lot of work to do. Here are some tips for you:
1. Set your business and family goals.
More important than anything is how you and your partner identify your goals. If you haven’t talked about your goals, both individually and as a couple, then this is the right time to do it. Put into writing all your family, career and marriage goals.
2. Acknowledge the fact that you need your partner’s support.
You both have to realize that the only way your goals will be achieved is with the support of each other. This kind of humility on both parties will help you both understand that that your individual’s roles are a necessity for keeping your life in the balance.
3. Set time for family and work.
It is important that you set blocks of time when you can focus on your careers and your family. Just set time when you can focus on your work, then some for your spouse to focus on hers or his, and another time for you to just spend with your children. Laying it all clear will leave no room for expectations and disappointments.
4. Respect each other’s time for work.
During the time blocks you have set for each other’s work, make sure not to interrupt your partner unless it is really urgent. There could be some exceptions, like when your kids would want to talk to you or your spouse, but this should be kept an exception and not the norm.
5. Stay away from anything related to work during family time.
If it’s time for the family, make sure you do only those things for family and not anything work-related. If possible, turn your mobile phone on silent mode, and postpone checking your emails. This will make the family time more precious, and will give you a chance to appreciate your family more.
6. Go out with kids only.
It is always a good idea to go on dates with your children alone. This is a perfect time for you to bond with them and to get to know them more especially as they grow up.
7. Don’t forget to go on a date with your spouse.
There is no better way to keep the fire in your relationship burning than to spend quality time with each other on a regular basis. This time is for the two of you only, when you can talk about how you have been the entire week, for instance. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to be romantic and intimate.
Keeping the right balance between your career and your married life is a huge challenge, indeed. But this is not a battle that cannot be won. If you find it hard to set the right direction for your career and family, working with a personal coach could make a huge difference.
Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.