Quality Time: The Bridge Between Career + Family

Growth can be tricky. We all want it, but it's not always easy when we're in the midst of it.

About ten years ago, my husband and I were starting a family while also building our careers. He was working toward becoming a doctor, and I was pursuing a career as a yoga teacher and development coach. It was what we had always wanted, but it quickly became overwhelming. Our days were jam-packed with responsibilities, like a pressure cooker about to blow. Our relationship suffered, and it took a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We couldn't fully enjoy the things we had worked so hard for. We knew something had to go.

During that challenging time, our marriage almost fell apart because we didn't know how to handle all the changes. Under the relentless strain, We were very close to making the mistake of giving up on what we had worked so hard to achieve - throwing the baby out with the bath water, so to speak. It was a hard-learned lesson that essential to personal growth is the capacity to discern and prioritize what genuinely matters, all while consistently shedding the non-essentials. Our journey, marked by its peaks and valleys, underscored the importance of relinquishing the unnecessary to create room for what truly holds significance.

In today's fast-paced world, striking a balance between a thriving career and quality family time can seem like an uphill battle. Work frequently demands our attention, leaving less room for our loved ones. However, there are practical strategies to harmonize it all. In this blog, we'll delve into these strategies while highlighting how knowing your strengths can amplify their effectiveness.

1. Prioritize What Truly Matters

Begin by identifying your top priorities. Your career holds significance, but so do your family and your well-being. You don't need to achieve a perfect equilibrium; instead, focus on what holds the most meaning and allocate your time accordingly.

Understanding Your Strengths: Recognizing your strengths can guide you in prioritizing activities that align with your talents, making both your career and family time more fulfilling.

2. Use a Family Calendar

Streamline your family's schedule with a shared calendar, whether it's digital or on paper. Include work commitments, school events, family outings, and dedicated "quality time" slots. This visual representation makes it easier to spot opportunities for family bonding.

Understanding Your Strengths: Various approaches exist for keeping and using a family calendar. Understanding your innate talents, as well as those of your family members, can help identify the strategy that suits you best.

3. Be Present

When you're with your family, make a conscious effort to be fully present. Set aside electronic devices and engage in meaningful conversations or activities. Quality time hinges on your mental and emotional presence.

Understanding Your Strengths: Your innate qualities can shed light on the activities that come most naturally to you and your family members—whether it's experiencing emotions, engaging in thoughtful discussions, or participating in shared activities.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

Set clear boundaries to distinguish your work life from your personal life. Effectively communicate your availability to colleagues and supervisors, emphasizing the significance of protecting your family time. Upholding these boundaries safeguards your cherished moments with loved ones. You might also find it beneficial to establish similar boundaries with family members, ensuring they understand when you can or cannot be available, particularly if you work from home.

Understanding Your Strengths: Your strengths can empower you to discern the boundaries that suit you best and guide you in effectively communicating and maintaining them.

5. Embrace Flexibility

If possible, consider flexible work arrangements such as remote work or adjusted hours. This flexibility provides you with greater control over your schedule, enabling you to accommodate your family's needs.

Understanding Your Strengths: Remote work isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Your unique talents can help you evaluate if this approach suits you and inspire innovative solutions if it doesn't.

6. Plan Regular Family Activities

Create a routine of family activities, whether it's a weekly movie night, a monthly outing, or an annual vacation. These planned events strengthen family bonds and ensure dedicated quality time.

Understanding Your Strengths: While some naturally lean towards establishing routines, others may not. Your strengths can illuminate your relationship with routines and guide you in creating one that aligns best with your needs.

7. Delegate + Seek Support

Don't shy away from delegating tasks, both at work and at home. Enlist support from family members, friends, or hired help when necessary. Remember, you don't have to carry the weight of everything on your own.

Understanding Your Strengths: Utilize your strengths to effectively delegate and collaborate with others, lightening your load.

8. Prioritize Self-Care

Don't forget to care for your well-being. Prioritize self-care to recharge your energy and reduce stress. A healthier and happier you can better nurture your family relationships.

Understanding Your Strengths: Leverage your strengths to develop self-care routines that cater to your unique needs and preferences.

9. Foster Open Communication

Maintain open and honest communication within your family. Discuss your work commitments and actively listen to your loved ones' needs and desires. Collaboration and understanding are essential for finding solutions that work for everyone.

Understanding Your Strengths: Your strengths can enhance your communication skills, making family discussions more effective and empathetic.

10. Regularly Assess + Adapt

Periodically evaluate how well your balance is working for you and your family. Be willing to make adjustments and adapt your strategies as circumstances change. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in maintaining balance over time.

Understanding Your Strengths: Your innate qualities can assist you in assessing and adapting your strategies, ensuring they remain aligned with your strengths.

Balancing your career and family is a continuous journey. By identifying your priorities, being fully present, and implementing these practical strategies, you can ensure that the time spent with your loved ones is both sufficient and meaningful. Remember, the true essence of balance is not perfection but the creation of a fulfilling life for both yourself and your family.

Ready to discover your strengths and how they can enhance your career and family life? Take the CliftonStrengths Assessment today!