The simple truth about balancing career and family
BALANCING a career and family is usually an uphill task for most women, and many make huge sacrifices to have both, or eventually choose one over the other. Take for instance Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube and mother of five children; Helena Morrissey, CEO of Newton Investment Management company in the UK, who has nine children; and Karen Finerman, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, who has two sets of twins. They have all been commended for being able to manage their careers and families. But the big question is, how can these two goals be successfully achieved by women without similar resources? Can they truly have it all? What would you have to give up to make the dream possible?
According to Stacy-Ann Smith, associate therapist at Family Life Ministries, “having it all” means being able to say no to the good things so that you can do the most important things – and that in itself is contrary to the mantra.
“For example, getting the best out of your career sometimes means sacrificing either sleep, social life or family time. Meaningful family time means saying no to work calls, skipping the outings with friends, and focusing on the moment. Hanging out with friends has the same results, and we haven’t factored in personal downtime. Being able to look at all the things on your plate, some of which are good, and choosing to say no is a huge part of balancing work, family, career and personal time,” she said.
Below are some tips for balancing career and family:
1. Get quality help
A helping hand is not too much to ask for. This help with your children and family can come in the form of a trusted housekeeper, proper after-school care, or a relative who is accessible and willing to assist you with your children. Train the older children to help you.
2. Organise your time
It is important that you approach your days in an organised manner. Make a list of what needs to be done the following day, and prepare from the night before. Pre-prep meals, ensure clothing is ironed, bags are packed, and stick to scheduled times of waking, getting ready, and doing things before leaving home. Additionally, don’t cross times and schedules, as this will set you back.
3. Communicate with your employer
Every employer is different, and only you will know how much to share, but it is important that you be open and discuss flexibility and alternatives to ensure your family time doesn’t interfere with work and your work time doesn’t interfere with family time.
4. Keep in touch with family
During the day when you have downtime or a break, you can make a phone call to your partner, and check in on your children to ensure everything is OK and they don’t feel forgotten, although you are going home to them in the evenings. Capitalise on every moment you get to have a conversation or check on their welfare.
5. Set aside “me” time
In all of the balancing that you aim to do, ensure that you set aside time for yourself to unwind and refocus to prevent feeling drained and stressed from the pressures of life.
