Career and Family: Compromise a Healthy Balance

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". How many times have we heard that saying...except from the gazillion amount of pages in Jack's book? We can actually take The Shining as an example and of course we won't take the extreme into the picture. Just keep the ax away from daddy.

When one is fixated on their job they tend to either bring their work home with them or seem to work overtime way too much. This becomes a problem at home and it's understandable. Due to the rise of the feminist movement, many women have taken upon jobs once dominated by men and in return we're hearing "stay-at-home" moms less frequently. With the combination of both mother and father away from home 8-12 hours a day, how can there be enough time in the day to spend with their children? Day care centers get richer. Parental involvement decreases. Is there a way to solve this? Possibly.

We all know money is important but is it worth losing your family time? Think about it. Bills are very important as well as your debt but if you can't make it home in time to help your kids with their homework or watch your kids' favorite TV show with them, can you be so assured that your job is beneficial in the long-run?

If your job is interfering with family time, ask your boss for a cut in your hours. It may hurt at first since work needs to be done but this is where you can ask your co-workers to chip in with their time also. It looks good for them and will also speed up your workload while taking the time out to be with your family.

Bring your children to work! Now it may seem unrealistic at first but you're also preparing them for real-world experience. You may be tempted to tell them 'You'll be doing this some day' and you and I know...it's true. Of course ask your boss first if your child can come to your work. Some adults love being around children but if it's a highly professional atmosphere it may not be the best idea. Weigh the options on this one.

Take a week off if you can. If option numbers 1 and 2 are out of your league maybe it'd be the best idea to invent a week of parent-child time. Plan it out also. Don't just say to yourself 'Ok, how about we sit on the couch and twiddle out thumbs?', figuratively speaking. The week doesn't have to empty your checking account either. There are plenty of free, public events and activities to do with your children. Know how to ride a bike? Go bike-riding in your neighborhood. Is there a public park? Have a picnic. Too cold out or a rainy day? Go to a movie or an indoor mall. Too hot out? Go to a public pool or a nearby beach. The possibilities are endless when planning a fun week for you and your family. Just remember when there's a will, there's a way.