Create A Work-Life Balance To Protect Your Marriage
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Work is a major part of each individual’s life, and it can be challenging to balance work and career needs while maintaining a healthy, happy marriage. Couples often find themselves in the midst of conflict over the jobs of one or both spouses. Here are 5 strategies to help you create a work-life balance.
- Set Boundaries at Work.
Be clear about how full your plate is and what you’re able to take on. Don’t become the go-to person who says yes to everything. Make a promise to yourself to leave work at a reasonable time.
- When you go home, turn it off.
When you leave work, leave your work behind. Shut everything off and disengage. Don’t lose valuable time with your family by staying connected to your job 24/7. Work will be there when you get back.
- Share the high and low points of your workday.
When one or both of you is very invested in your career, the other might end up feeling left out of a major part of your life. If you want your spouse to open up a little more about their work, start by showing an interest in what they do. Listen to your partner and empathize with his or her situation.
- Respect and Support Your Spouse
Respect and recognize that each partner’s contribution to the marriage is equally valued and necessary to a successful career and a solid family life. Express confidence in your partner’s abilities and provide encouragement. Show you care when your spouse is having a hard day.
- Work together to keep the home running smoothly.
Keeping up a household is a full-time job in itself. Add one or two full-time careers and a child or two to that mix, and you’re likely to get overwhelmed very quickly. That’s why it’s so important for the two of you to work together to keep your home running smoothly. If you’re so busy or stressed that neither of you can do an adequate job of keeping up your home, don’t be afraid to hire a housekeeper, a lawn maintenance worker, or even someone to help you cook. Whatever the case may be, sit down with your spouse and negotiate whatever you think might work best for your situation.
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