Career Goals And Family The Ultimate Balancing Act

 

(c) Malka Maxwell 2008

Having a career and staying close to your family is one of the biggest obstacles business owners seem to face. Ususally people find it upsetting when they feel that in order to have a family they will have to give up their dreams or even their jobs. A self employed business owner's goal should be about prioritizing and self control. Here are four simple tips that should start you off on the road of family balance and your professional goals:

1. Open dialogue regarding career transitions- this is a wonderful practice, because it makes your family feel that they are involved with your careeer choices. The hosstility and lack of understanding that so often arises can be eleviated by this practice.

2. Homewrork- try saving work that can be done at home when you are family is around. If you have school aged children you can do your homework when they do theirs. Share some information about you work with them, and try to finish around the same time that they are finished. Eventhough you may be busy, it will please them just being near you.

3. Share work plans with your family-your family can be a wnderful sounding board resource. They may not be experts in your area of work, but they may lots of insight to offer.

4. Make your home environment pleasant- try not to fight with your family when you are busy with business problems. You need the safe feeling that a happy family environment can offer.

Not all self employed people have families, if you are considering a family and added tip would be to look at being home realistically and consider what a family needs: support, having children, and being there. Once yo have considered those issues do consider the above tips to help you make a solid and functional plan to balance your family life and career.

Malka Maxwell is an emotional and mental health coach. To get some more ideas on self development go to http://www.malkamaxwell.com