Could there really be a perfect human? Having to create leverage in the home upfront and the workplace is quite a herculean task.
Being 100% is almost impossible in the present time and generation, as the demands on both sides have changed, especially managing a growing business requires lots of time.
Providing the basic needs for one’s household is not enough like it were some years back. As a mum, your family needs not just your presence, but active engagement. Quality time is essential to bond with your spouse and children.
Sometimes a feeling of guilt and incompetence hunts one as a mum and a career woman. I need to bring my A-game to my job and I need to be available to give my family love and care.
Let me tell you a story of a friend in a bit,
“I started an event planning business when it wasn’t popular as of now. I grew the business one day at a time until my client base and status expanded. Sometimes I had three events in a day and had to multitask despite my about 57 employees. I love to be creative and keep a memorable event.
About five years into the start of my business I had a set of twins and then the pressure mounted as I had to juggle between work and raising my kids. At a time, I was like a zombie, having to keep up with daily routines was just exhausting.
My husband is a sailor and he is usually not around to assist.
I had two house assistants who were competent to help look after my children and handle chores, such that I had few moments with my children.
My work schedule was like a traffic jam. I want to build a brand that I will be proud of later in life. Am I too ambitious?”
What is she to do to help her balance her booming business outfit and lovely home?
This situation is not uncommon in recent times, here are a few tips to keep both sides at par.
1. Be deliberate at prioritizing both entities: The family shouldn’t be made to suffer because of a mouthwatering career. The future may be a rotten pizza yet to be served with a drink of discord and disconnect within the home. Growing one’s career is critical as it is time-bound and shouldn’t be thrown into the background. What then is the way forward?
Schedule your time for family and avoid trading it for work time as much as possible. Maximize your time at work and ensure office work is not carried along to be done extensively in the house.
2. Be organized: use an organizer if you can. Make plans for office duties and schedule for family engagements, visit to relatives, and vacations if you can afford it.
3. Delegate when necessary: Can I say this on a mountaintop with a speaker? “You can’t do everything and be effective”. If you can, you will most often be worn out. Assign a person (s) to handle certain activities to help you have more time for major engagements. You can have someone do house chores when necessary, shopping, or any other activities that could be time-consuming.
4. Keep a connect plug with your family: Call and communicate frequently with your loved ones. Always let them know if you would be a change in your schedule.
5. Be active and not passively present with your family: When you are physically present, engage actively. Talk with your spouse and children. Ask your children about what subject they love, their friends, and anything worth talking about. Remember, don’t criticize point out the rights and wrongs, and explain why. Have quality time with your spouse, and talk about future aspirations.
6. Find easier ways to get work done quickly: Get smarter devices and applications that make work easier and faster. Keep contact with personnel that can handle various jobs like designs, travel bookings, sales and marketing, etc. Their services will make your job more effective.
7. Retreat: Switch off from the hustle and bustle, cool off, and rejuvenate when necessary. Being optimal as a mum usually takes a toll on your health and energy. Retreat makes you take a step off the track to refuel and evaluate before launching again.
Balance is quite a challenge but it is achievable. Being a Mum is hard work but being smart at handling the consistent challenges makes a difference.
So, what is the way forward to help my friend leverage her career and home?
