You love your job and you’re grateful that you found a fantastic position in your field. But at the same time, it feels as if your relationship takes a backseat to your job. This can cause problems in the relationship. But fortunately, there are simple ways to balance your career with your love life.
1 Set Boundaries at Work
Some jobs are extremely demanding. You might be on call at night, or you might have to bring work home. But even if your job takes a lot of your time and energy, it's okay to set boundaries. Your relationship and personal life should be a priority. Therefore, speak with your boss and colleagues to strike a doable balance. For example, you might avoid answering work emails or phone calls after a certain time, perhaps 7 PM. Also, you can talk to your boss about limiting the amount of overtime you work.
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2 Discuss Finances with Your Partner
It’s important for couples to discuss money. This ensures you're both on the same page, and together you can assess what's coming in and what's going out. A frank money discussion with your partner might also reveal interesting facts about your financial situation. For example, you might discover that there's more than enough income to cover your expenses. As a result, you might be able to work less and enjoy more quality time with your family.
3 Ask to Bring Your Partner on Business Trips
If your job involves a lot of traveling, this can put emotional and literal distance between you and your partner, and he might feel that you never spend time together. Talk to your boss about the possibility of bringing your partner on a business trip. If this works with his schedule, he can accompany you on trips, providing an opportunity to spend the evenings together.
4 Schedule Regular Date Nights with Your Partner
If your job is taking over your life, it's important to schedule time for your partner. Date nights are crucial to keeping the relationship strong. Plan to spend at least one evening a night uninterrupted. Hire a babysitter and enjoy dinner and a movie, or spend this time at home together. You can also schedule frequent lunch dates. Instead of hanging with your coworkers for an hour, spend this time with your partner.
5 Don’t Talk about Work when Spending Time Together
When you and your partner spend quality time together, this isn't the time to bring up work. Additionally, you shouldn’t spend this time checking work emails or text messages every five minutes. Yes, your work is important. But your partner is also important and he deserves your undivided attention too.
6 Put Yourself in Your Partner’s Shoes
If your partner complains that you're spending too much time at work, it's easy to become defensive or justify your behavior. For a second, put yourself in your partner’s shoes. How would you feel if the situation were reversed? This helps put the situation in perspective, allowing you to see things from his point of view.
7 Keep Your Partner in the Loop
Keep your partner up-to-date on happenings at work. If you’re going to work late, or if you know you have a crazy upcoming week, give him a heads up. This way, he knows what to expect in advance.
Striking a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, especially when your job is demanding. But if you set boundaries and make time for your partner, the relationship can thrive and succeed. What are other ways to balance your career with your love life?
