What do you do if your career goals are straining your relationships with family and friends?

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." - John F. Kennedy. Just had an enlightening chat with peers on the importance of evaluating our priorities in life and career. It's about understanding what truly matters to us. Are our goals in harmony with our values and passions? How do they impact our happiness and quality of life? Identifying what's worth pursuing is a vital step. How do you balance your personal and professional life? Share your thoughts and let's find our path together!

In my personal experience as a Business Strategist, when career goals strain relationships with family and friends, it's crucial to first assess priorities. Reflect on what truly matters in both personal and professional aspects of life. This self-awareness helps in understanding where adjustments may be needed.

It can be clear what is required at the office...how many hours are expected of us, having detailed deadlines and goals, etc. It isn't always clear what is needed in our personal relationships, and it can vary from time to time depending on the needs of others. It is important to prioritize beyond your work-life balance in terms of hours. You must assess what you are needing from both experiences, and how you can maintain upward momentum in both.

Communication is key. Expressing needs and concerns openly and honestly with loved ones fosters understanding and support. It's important to communicate the reasons behind career aspirations and the impact they may have on relationships. Setting boundaries and expectations can also alleviate misunderstandings.

If you need to explain the necessities of providing for yourself and your family to an adult, they are probably not very mature adults! With that said, I have found that when I need to work outside the normal schedule, it is very helpful to communicate this with my family, and I try not to significantly alter my schedule without communicating with them first, and listening to their needs. Children, generally, are not as understanding of the needs or requirements of working life. Good communication will help them feel less abandoned. At work, it is important to take advantage of your schedule and time-off, limit your overtime as you are able, and communicate clear boundaries which allow for the work-life balance you need.

Delegate tasks that are less costly than your time and detract from moments with loved ones. For instance, as a business strategy expert earning a high salary, spending 2.5 hours on yard work means losing precious time with family or for pivotal projects. One could outsource this task in my area for $60, freeing up those hours for what truly matters. Proper delegation is not just about efficiency; it's a strategic choice for achieving happiness and maintaining life balance.

Managing time effectively is vital. Balancing work commitments with personal time requires strategic planning and organization. Prioritize tasks and allocate dedicated time for family and friends. Utilize tools like calendars or scheduling apps to ensure all aspects of life receive adequate attention.

Sharing a real example where Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, faced a similar challenge when her career goals were straining her family life. To address this, she introduced the concept of "unplugging" during family dinners. Sandberg made a conscious effort to leave her phone in another room during dinner time to ensure that she could fully engage with her family without distractions. This small but significant change helped her prioritize her family relationships while still pursuing her career goals.

Seek help from mentors. Try out few.options and should would certainly work Seek professional help. Conduct similar sessions led by external.experts for an outside in view!

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards balance. Whether it's professional counseling, mentorship, or advice from trusted confidants, external perspectives can offer valuable insights and support.

Regularly review and adjust. Life's demands and priorities evolve, so it's essential to periodically reassess goals and their impact on relationships. Flexibility is key in adapting plans to align with changing circumstances.

Work is work. I thought, as many people do, that if I could work for myself, I could dictate my own schedule and work-life balance. Nothing could have been further from the truth! While I was self-employed, the amount of time I spent working far exceeded any other job I have had. That was because the amount of time I put into the business was directly correlated to the success I had. While the grass may seem greener on the other side of the fence, it is helpful to try and communicate and adjust in your current job before jumping ship to what could be an even worse work-life balance.