Balancing family life and work is important. To be successful at work and home, there must be a balance between both worlds. One thing I hear quite a few people saying is that they work a lot to take care of their family. While that is commendable, there still needs to be time for your family.
I grew up in a house hold where both of my parents worked. As a child, I remember when my parents went to work early on overtime. I had to be dropped off at the babysitter before the sun came up. There were times when I barely saw my parents during the week. Now as an adult, I look back with an appreciation of my parents work ethic. One thing that I wish I could change was spending more time with my parents.
How should we balance family life and work?
I am blessed to have a wife that can stay home with our three children. You cannot put a value on having a full-time parent with your kids. If at all possible I would encourage any young family to consider having a stay at home mother. There are so many long term benefits to the children's development that are missed by absent parents. I know from my experience, there were a lot of opportunities that I would not have had if one of my parents stayed at home. On the other hand, there were a lot of things I missed out on as well.
Knowing the importance of having a father in the life of children, I try to make as much time as I can for my family. Having my own business has its plus and minuses. One of the biggest pros is having the flexibility to clear my schedule to be present at school functions, doctors visits, or to just hang around. The biggest draw back is that the work day doesn't end at five. There are many times where I have to work past regular business hours. It is one of the things that comes with being the provider of your family.
Focus on what is important.
To balance family life and work, I try not to answer my phone after five. I also have a dumb phone as my wife calls it. It is a flip phone instead of a smart phone. Not taking my email with me every where I go gives me time to focus on what is important, my family. Doing this removes distractions and interruptions during my family time.
As though I wasn't stretched for time enough, this winter I decided to start this blog. The main reason for this was to give me time to reflect on my day while immersing myself in the word. Putting God above all is important. If we do not make time for God in our life and include him throughout the day, we are headed down a rocky road. Having Jesus in my life makes my job as a father, husband and business owner easier to manage. Instead of trying to figure out what I should do, I read the Bible and listen to what the father tells me I should do. Doing this helps me balance family life and work.
Matthew 6:33 NASB 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.