Many women tend to give up their successful careers because they want to
be there for their family. Whether you have experienced this or not, there will
surely be a point in your life when you may have to choose between your family
and your career. When that time comes, what are you going to do? Do you believe
that they can co-exist? If they can, how will you manage?
Use the following tips on how you should make a choice between your
career and your family:
1. Discuss things with your family
One of the first things you need to do when dealing with this kind of
dilemma is to talk about it with your family regarding your career path. You
shouldn't hesitate to make your spouse and your children understand that you
love them, and you love your career, too. Make it clear to them also why your
career is important to you. It will be easier for them to understand things
when they see things from your perspective.
2. Have a concrete plan
At different stages of your life, there could be a clash between your
family life and professional life and you may have to make a choice. What are
you going to do when a child comes? How are you going to achieve your career
goals if your career has to take a step back so you could take care of your
family's needs? You need to have an answer to these questions as early as
possible so you will be prepared when the time comes.
3. Talk to your employer about a flexible work schedule
You should find a way to talk to your HR manager to ask if there's a
possibility for a flexible arrangement. Many companies are now allowing their
employees to work from home at least once a week. You should explore this
option because this will be beneficial to your family as well.
4. Consider working part time
If you are left with no other choice but to spend more time with your
children, getting a part-time job is worth considering. It is likely that you
don't want to quit your job totally, as it may have a negative effect on your
career as a whole. By doing a part time job, you can be there for your family
and you can be active professionally at the same time.
When it comes to keeping the balance between your career and your
personal life, there are many challenges you have to be prepared for. But you
don't have to go through everything alone. You should get your family involved
in your career search and planning to make sure that each of you will be
on the same page.
