Enjoy success as you balance career and family

If you are finding it more and more challenging to juggle the demands of your job and your family life, you are not alone.  Many struggle with finding a successful balance. Like many, I grew up equating money and power with success, and for a time, that framed my worldview and definition of success. With time, I’ve grown, matured; my view of success has changed greatly. I have come to acknowledge that success is a very personal matter that evolves depending on the stage one is in life.  The different stages being the ACCUMULATION stage, CONSOLIDATION stage AND finally the  GIFTING stage. What drives one individual may be radically different for another due to circumstances and age factors. Understanding how others measure success can help you better understand your own definition. Succeeding in the balance will open the doors for you to enjoy success as you balance career and family.

Work–life balance is a concept that involves prioritizing between work career and lifestyle choices; including leisure, recreation, spirituality and friendships.  When one is able to compensate for each season and maintain joy and happiness among st the team players then it is good. Nothing is as important as being able to maintain a good work life balance.  Joan in response to her husband’s accusation of her absence from home and taking too much time at work had this to say;  “I do not understand what you keep complaining about because I ensure that I spend quality time with my children when I am available. I provide for my family recently bought my hubby a car, I pay school fees for my children, ensure they go on holiday once a year, all this without the support of my husband! I need better!!

Work-life balance is a real issue and highly sort by many who find it fleeting. In my opinion, it is not a work- life balance that we should be striving for but rather long-term satisfaction both personally and professionally in all that we do; particularly in five areas; Family, Career, Health, Friends, Spirituality. Above all apply wisdom and remember two key guiding factors everyday Achievement and Enjoyment should be your motivating factor.

Building Support Networks

Managing a professional life and family, young children or/and aging parents requires a strong network of behind-the-scenes supporters and cheerleaders, not to mention the support of your partner. The assistance from a home assistant, designated supporters and extended family is a necessity. Adult children can be very helpful as they each take up their assigned roles with zeal and diligence.

Emotional support is  essential

Like anyone else, you occasionally need to vent when they’re dealing with something crazy or irritating at work, and friends and family are a safer audience than colleagues. You will need the support of peers, mentors, positioners, accountability partners and grounder.  These people will always be available for you do not distance yourself too much as you climb the success ladder.  It helps to have dependable friends that can simply listen when you need to talk or exhale.

Your Health is your Wealth

You should never be too busy to have time for your health. Keep a good exercise routine and ensure that you avoid lifestyle diseases. Whatever you do keep healthy. A healthy body with high levels of energy will give you greater levels of concentration and efficiency.

Collaborating with Your Partner

As you grow in your career, it is important to involve your partner and to seek ways of partnership and collaboration so that the responsibilities can be clearly understood.  Delegation is important, however, clear guidelines and ownership is of utmost importance. The need of a shared vision is important for the success of the entire family.

It helps to plan your schedule and make adjustments along the journey, see how it suits you best. Plan family time, schedule activities for the children and most importantly have a date night with your partner that is scheduled well in advance.  Spare time for your friends and do not lose out on Fun activities.