When I decided to blog about balancing your work schedule with relationships of any form, I thought I was going to be the first person to write on it.

Or at least, one of the first few.

I thought to blog lightly in today’s post and discuss on more practical issues that affect most workers just as I did in my last video. Check out my video here.

As expected, the internet proved me wrong.

A little google research reminded me that there’s nothing new under the sun. Good news— everyone has a different take on the topic and that’s good enough for me!

So here’s me, giving you my two cents on this issue.

When I think of balancing our careers or jobs with your relationship, it does include your spouse, partner, significant other, boyfriend, girlfriend or anything you choose to call the other person!

As well as your family (parents, siblings, etc.). A close friend. Your child… pretty much anyone close to your heart.

I’ve come to understand that building relationship is as important as building your career. And these two important things affect our general well-being and life.

There are some days that may just be so stressful and somewhat depressing, and if you don’t have a good relationship with someone, to share this experience with, it could be disheartening for you.

Never think that your career should come before your relationship and vice versa. Also, it’s entirely up to you to decide who you want to build your relationship with.

I can’t say that I have many friends, but I’ve been fortunate to have a few friends I can say will be there for me! And of course, there’s family.

Please let me share with you some ways I’ve learned to strike a balance between my job/ work and relationship.

Of course, it’s a constant process.

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1. Talk about your day and be willing to discuss

Like we always hear, communication is key in building any relationship.

There’s always something to talk about every day. How tedious the day went. How productive or unproductive you felt at work. Or how someone almost ruined your day. How you were able to complete a difficult talk. I could go on and on.

Some days are positive. Some days may be far from positive. That’s life. Too many uncertainties. But to grow your relationship, you should be willing to talk about it with the person you care about.

How will this person be of help, if you are not willing to share? Don’t end up pushing close people farther away from you all in the name of the stress of work.

As expected of most organizations, you are not to share confidential information; it’s okay to not go into major details. But keep him/her in the loop, so that your loved ones are at least aware of your current situation.

2. Categorize

When you are at work, you can choose to devote your entire time to work related matters, but when at home or at the end of business day, this is the time to spend quality time with your loved ones.

And I know I said to share feelings of how work went earlier, but your work hours is not a time to do this. Be willing to hear from him/ her after work hours.

Effective communication should go both ways after work. Talk. listen. Speak. But don’t be distracted at work as this may result in problems in the long run.

Maintaining your job and still having time for your loved ones takes practice

3. Include them in after work events (if applicable)

If your workplace is one that organizes a lot of events; it’ll be a good idea to have your friend or loved one come over every once in a while.

This will give them the opportunity to finally visualize the person you talk about daily. Chances are that, you keep talking about your coworkers. Now he/she will be able to picture this coworker of yours.

This helps in improving your relationship with your friends and loved ones.

4. Make use of your phone/ social media

There have been some negative sides to technology and social media, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be put to good use.

Try to send out a good morning text or message to your loved one as this goes a long way in showing care and concern. During your lunch break, check up on loved ones as well.

Read: Finally, No More Phone Distractions at Work!

Having a successful work-life and a good relationship with friends and family is the best of both worlds. These tips have helped me maintain relationships in one way or another.

However, you’d have to realize that not everyone can understand what you are working towards or what your goal is. A true friend will understand when you can’t be there for him/ her.

If your friend isn’t willing to compromise on a few days of absence or no show, then it’s not worth it in the first place. True friends are rear to come by, but once you find him/ her you’d certainly know!

With regards to children or family, your family will be able to support you even in your absence and should understand every challenge you may be going through. But it all depends on how far you are willing to work on building your communication.

Did you find this post helpful and would you like to see more personal/real life work related posts like this in the future? Let me know in the comment section below.

How do you balance your career/ job and relationship? Please share what you think in the comment section.

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by Zinny
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