Balancing High Careers and Family

Balancing High Careers and Family

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of a high-powered career and family responsibilities? You’re not alone.

Many moms today find themselves stuck between the pressures of their professional aspirations and the needs of their families. It’s a common struggle—and one that I, too, have faced head-on. 

A few years ago, I moved to Canada with my husband hoping I can continue to advance my medical career. I took all the exams to qualify for residency training here, and I was almost there! I even got two interviews from prestigious universities. As I was evaluating my CV and qualifications, it became clear that the process might take longer than I had anticipated. There was even a thought of going back to the Philippines for more exposure in my independent practice. But then, reality hit me. I realized that pursuing more training would mean sacrificing precious time with my husband and kids.

It was a hard call, but I knew I needed to take charge of my life!

Here are three valuable tips that really helped me navigate these dilemmas:

1. Revisit Your Non-Negotiables

At a certain point, I realized that I couldn't compete on all fronts without sacrificing my sanity or the well-being of my kids. This realization led me to reassess my non-negotiables—essentially, my family. Understanding that my primary commitment was to my kids and husband enabled me to prioritize and modify my career accordingly. I decided to continue working in the medical field but sought part-time opportunities that wouldn't demand constant juggling between professional training and family responsibilities. Acknowledging your strengths and limits is crucial to this process.

Action Step: Create a list of your non-negotiables. Write down what is most important to you and use this list to guide your decisions regarding work and family commitments.

2. Master Time Management

Effectively managing time has been a game-changer for me. Establishing a solid morning routine had an enormous impact. By waking up at 4 a.m., I had those precious early morning hours to take care of myself, prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for the day ahead, and ensure I felt great before diving into the day's responsibilities. This routine allowed me to balance part-time work while still being fully present for my kids.

Action Step: Identify a block of quiet time in your schedule to create a morning routine. Use this time to care for yourself and prepare for the day ahead. Experiment with different routines until you find one that sets a positive tone for your day.

3. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is indispensable. Every Saturday, I sit down and map out the week ahead. This planning helps me decide whether I need to focus more on work or family during the upcoming week. It also ensures that I allot enough quality time for my kids and my husband, ensuring that they don't feel neglected even during busy periods.

Action Step: Dedicate a specific time each week for planning. Sit down with a calendar and outline your upcoming week. Identify key tasks for work and plan family activities to ensure balanced time for both.

Feeling torn between your career and family? What’s one non-negotiable in your life that you can prioritize today?

Balancing high-demand careers and family is all about finding and sticking to your non-negotiables, mastering time management, and planning effectively. If you can manage both without sacrificing yourself or your family’s needs, that's fantastic. But if you find it impossible to balance everything, it’s essential to be honest with yourself and make necessary adjustments. Prioritize what truly matters to you and be willing to make modifications to achieve a happier, more balanced life.

You’ve got this Momma!

With Love and Gratitude,

Geraldine B. - Your Mom Coach