Balancing an Executive Lifestyle

It took ten long years to land the corner office with a view. The boss has finally noticed your exemplary work and promoted you to the position you know you deserve. Now you have a four-piece desk with a flatscreen computer monitor and an ergonomically correct chair. Potted plants line the windowsill, framed pictures of the kids are arranged throughout the office, and a blue plaque with your name and title announces your presence on the door. Its the lifestyle you've always dreamed about.

But how do you keep from allowing your job to rule your life?

The kids whose faces grace your office and the hobbies for which you no longer have time and the spouse who waits at home and greets you at the door are all vying for your attention; how do you squeeze them all in? Of course, many people think that they have struck the perfect note of balance in their lives, but we are often blinded by the necessities of work and the demands of the boss who granted us such an enormous promotion. You deserve family and recreation time for the hours you put in behind the desk, but have you allowed yourself those luxuries?

It all comes down to one concept: balance. It seems so simple, and we often feel that we have achieved it. "I work during the week, and save the evenings and weekends for my family." You say that, but what about the times that you co-workers have called and asked you to troubleshoot a problem? Or the last-minute proposal you spent all of Saturday typing? Or the Sunday golf tournaments with your colleagues? All of these things begin to add up over time, and they take away from your home life.

This is not to say that you should ignore your co-workers or blow off a project just because its after five. Executive positions require a certain amount of committment, and careers are seldom "nine-to-five" every day. But there has to be a point when we say "enough is enough". Put away the brief case, change into a pair of jeans, and take the family out for dinner.

Here are some tips for creating balance between work and home:

1. Family Night

It seems simple, but we often fail to establish a night for just the family. It doesn't matter what you plan - dinner, a movie, board games - but that you stick to a specific night. No soccor games or ballet lessons or conference calls. Just family. Let everyone know, whether you have youngsters or teenagers, that everyone should be home and available on Family Night - no exceptions. Make sure its something that everyone wants to do, and plan activities that you will all enjoy.

2. Kids' Activities

If, for example, you have a choice between attending your son's baseball game or playing golf with co-workers, go to the game. Or, if they are both weekly activities, alternate between the two. Believe me, this isn't just to make your son happy; you will feel like an amazing parent if you are involved in your childrens' lives. And don't think about the things you are missing while you're cheering your son to home plate. Immerse yourself in the game.

3. Quality Time

We've heard it all before - "Why don't we spend quality time together anymore?" There is a simple way to halt that question before it even leaves your spouse's mouth - invest in quality time! Guys, this doesn't mean forced opera night, and ladies, this doesn't entail weekly trips to the Football Hall of Fame. Make it something that you both enjoy, and do it often. Quality time can mean reading the paper together before work, or watching a favorite television show every Wednesday. Let this time be time away from kids and work; reconnect with your significant other. You'll be better for it.

4. Walk naked around the house.

Well, you don't have to do that, but reserve some time for just you. Maybe your spouse takes the kids to hockey practice every Thursday; let this be a time for self reflection and relaxation. Turn off the cell phone, hide the beeper, and leave your briefcase in the car. It really doesn't matter what you do with this time, as long as you aren't thinking about work. Watch a movie or take a hot bath. Let the inner monologue take a break and shut out the stressors of your everyday life. Not only is this healthy, but it will give you an opportunity to escape for a while.

These ideas might help you balance your life, but they are only a start. I recommend stepping back and taking a long look at your schedule. If you are super-organized, write it down so that you are able to observe it objectively. Figure out where you have free time - if any - and work out space for you and your family. If you have no free slots, create them. You can't be the Energizer Bunny forever - you are, after all, only human.