Comments on: Balancing Work and Family http://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/ Men's Interests and Lifestyle Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:05:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Philliphttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-40705 Phillip Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:31:26 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-40705 This info would come in handy if I was planning on getting married and having kids This info would come in handy if I was planning on getting married and having kids

]]> By: Dustinhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-21021 Dustin Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:55:56 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-21021 BrettI am a very motivated young man eager to achieve in the office while being a strong relationship with my family. I am assuming as I move into more demanding positions I will need to spend more time in the office.I have been reading your posts for the last few months and have greatly appreciated them. I would find it very helpful to have more information on this topic in the future.Thanks for everything. Brett

I am a very motivated young man eager to achieve in the office while being a strong relationship with my family. I am assuming as I move into more demanding positions I will need to spend more time in the office.

I have been reading your posts for the last few months and have greatly appreciated them. I would find it very helpful to have more information on this topic in the future.

Thanks for everything.

]]> By: Harlandhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-20230 Harland Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:40:57 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-20230 These are great items to discuss as tips to help improve your current position. But the real key to a good work-life balance is the selection of your career and your firm. If this balance is important to you selecting a career that fits it is important (almost all careers offer this opportunity - the key is making it work). Important is a career that doesn't over tax you personally with stress and at least somewhat makes you happy. Not always possible - but important. Second is the company culture. There are firms dedicated to providing the right balance for their employees. Parking lots empty at 5:01pm. Find this company and work to get in there. You may need to sacrifice more than mornings. I'd gladly give up the huge $$ sucess in career to keep a happy family. Of course it is important to provide, but no reason to kill yourself for that extra $$ you may not need to be unhappy. The law comment is right up there with that. You can select a more relaxed firm that gives you this option. You may not earn lots of $, but you'll be super rich. Harland These are great items to discuss as tips to help improve your current position. But the real key to a good work-life balance is the selection of your career and your firm. If this balance is important to you selecting a career that fits it is important (almost all careers offer this opportunity – the key is making it work). Important is a career that doesn’t over tax you personally with stress and at least somewhat makes you happy. Not always possible – but important.
Second is the company culture. There are firms dedicated to providing the right balance for their employees. Parking lots empty at 5:01pm. Find this company and work to get in there.
You may need to sacrifice more than mornings. I’d gladly give up the huge $$ sucess in career to keep a happy family. Of course it is important to provide, but no reason to kill yourself for that extra $$ you may not need to be unhappy. The law comment is right up there with that. You can select a more relaxed firm that gives you this option. You may not earn lots of $, but you’ll be super rich.
Harland

]]> By: The Common Manhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19999 The Common Man Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:54:27 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19999 Good advice all around. In particular, I love reading with my son. We're still on The Very Hungry Caterpillar for now, and Dr. Seuss, but watching him memorize the books as we read them (he's just two, his reading isn't so sharp yet :) ) has been mezmerizing.Bed time and breakfast time have been the biggest part of my time with my son. Getting to be there for the start and the finish of every day is incredibly important to me, to set the right tone for him and to reflect on what has been. We sneak downstairs in the morning, put on the coffee for his mother, and sit at the kitchen table and eat fruit and oatmeal together. They are good times I'll treasure forever. Good advice all around. In particular, I love reading with my son. We’re still on The Very Hungry Caterpillar for now, and Dr. Seuss, but watching him memorize the books as we read them (he’s just two, his reading isn’t so sharp yet :) ) has been mezmerizing.

Bed time and breakfast time have been the biggest part of my time with my son. Getting to be there for the start and the finish of every day is incredibly important to me, to set the right tone for him and to reflect on what has been. We sneak downstairs in the morning, put on the coffee for his mother, and sit at the kitchen table and eat fruit and oatmeal together. They are good times I’ll treasure forever.

]]> By: Garyhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19824 Gary Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:25:44 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19824 @Thomas-Here's my advice to you: Enjoy it while it lasts! @Thomas-

Here’s my advice to you: Enjoy it while it lasts!

]]> By: Erick Rillinghttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19784 Erick Rilling Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:49:58 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19784 <a href='#comment-19775' rel="nofollow">@chads</a> - well, the sitters will only be a factor until they are old enough to watch themselves, but, I have found that even just taking a walk around the block, or wandering down to the corner store can be a great way to spend a little quality time. Remember, it doesnt have to be a whole evening, we are going for quality, not quantity. @chads – well, the sitters will only be a factor until they are old enough to watch themselves, but, I have found that even just taking a walk around the block, or wandering down to the corner store can be a great way to spend a little quality time. Remember, it doesnt have to be a whole evening, we are going for quality, not quantity.

]]> By: Erick Rillinghttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19780 Erick Rilling Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:44:44 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19780 I think another thing that must be considered is a realistic goal. Nearly all men these days are pressured to not only be providers, but to be able to provide a lifestyle that requires a budgest the size of some countries GNP. Just because that promotion will get you more pay, how much family time are you going to have to sacrifice? I think another thing that must be considered is a realistic goal. Nearly all men these days are pressured to not only be providers, but to be able to provide a lifestyle that requires a budgest the size of some countries GNP. Just because that promotion will get you more pay, how much family time are you going to have to sacrifice?

]]> By: chadshttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19775 chads Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:32:56 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19775 So Im curious if you guys have any ideas on husband and wife personal time. What I mean is this:My wife is at home with the kids all day, and Im at work. We do do dates together which is good, but she has some girlfriends she likes to do dinner with from time to time and I the same with a 'guys nite' , etc. How to balance our times away? Sometimes we both get to go out when we can get a sitter. Thats great when it happens . However, sitters can get expensive. So do we balance like "wife gets 2 nites out this month, and I get two nites" ?? For some reason this can become a point of conflict here and there...and just to give clarity.. we do have tons of great uninterrupted times with the kids every day. I dont have to do work at home, and we keep TV off a lot, etc etc.Thanks! So Im curious if you guys have any ideas on husband and wife personal time. What I mean is this:

My wife is at home with the kids all day, and Im at work. We do do dates together which is good, but she has some girlfriends she likes to do dinner with from time to time and I the same with a ‘guys nite’ , etc. How to balance our times away? Sometimes we both get to go out when we can get a sitter. Thats great when it happens . However, sitters can get expensive. So do we balance like “wife gets 2 nites out this month, and I get two nites” ?? For some reason this can become a point of conflict here and there…

and just to give clarity.. we do have tons of great uninterrupted times with the kids every day. I dont have to do work at home, and we keep TV off a lot, etc etc.

Thanks!

]]> By: Demianhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19579 Demian Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:01:52 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19579 As a son, some of my fondest memories of my father were just simply watching TV with him. We would watch a lot of History Channel, back when they showed actual history, and he would engage me to make sure I was understanding everything ok. Because of that to this day I've had a deep love of history, so don't underestimate the value of small moments becoming family moments. As a son, some of my fondest memories of my father were just simply watching TV with him. We would watch a lot of History Channel, back when they showed actual history, and he would engage me to make sure I was understanding everything ok. Because of that to this day I’ve had a deep love of history, so don’t underestimate the value of small moments becoming family moments.

]]> By: Kylehttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19578 Kyle Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:58:34 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19578 The NUMBER ONE thing you can do for your kids is be a good husband. Everything else are great things to remember, but your relationship with your wife is ESSENTIAL for the strength and dynamics of a healthy family. You loved her before the kids, you'll love her while the kids are at home, and you'll love her long after the kiddos have gone off to start their own lives (at least, this should be your mentality... the whole "unto death" part of your vows). Man up, love your wife just as much (if not more) than you love yourself. Pretty sure that's a pretty big command (Ephesians). The NUMBER ONE thing you can do for your kids is be a good husband. Everything else are great things to remember, but your relationship with your wife is ESSENTIAL for the strength and dynamics of a healthy family. You loved her before the kids, you’ll love her while the kids are at home, and you’ll love her long after the kiddos have gone off to start their own lives (at least, this should be your mentality… the whole “unto death” part of your vows).
Man up, love your wife just as much (if not more) than you love yourself. Pretty sure that’s a pretty big command (Ephesians).

]]> By: Thomashttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19576 Thomas Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:24:29 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19576 How about work/life balance if you are single with no kids? How about work/life balance if you are single with no kids?

]]> By: Joshuahttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19572 Joshua Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:31:18 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19572 As the last of three children, I got the cream of the crop when it came to being read to. My older sibs had enough of a head start that reading just the youngster books wouldn't do for them, so I would get read to with the little books, and then usually get to stay up while my parents read Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings to my older sisters. I have very few memories of ever feeling more content than when sitting at my father or mother's knee while those books were read... As the last of three children, I got the cream of the crop when it came to being read to. My older sibs had enough of a head start that reading just the youngster books wouldn’t do for them, so I would get read to with the little books, and then usually get to stay up while my parents read Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings to my older sisters. I have very few memories of ever feeling more content than when sitting at my father or mother’s knee while those books were read…

]]> By: randi reesehttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19568 randi reese Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:47:15 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19568 I know i have read tips and advice like these before, but everytime i do, this one especially, reminds me to take it easy on work and give more time to my children..thanks for a great reminder. i appreciate it! I know i have read tips and advice like these before, but everytime i do, this one especially, reminds me to take it easy on work and give more time to my children..

thanks for a great reminder. i appreciate it!

]]> By: Bretthttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19566 Brett Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:56:45 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19566 @David C.-What I meant by hands on, is that a lot of baby boomer guys often remark to guys in my generation how much more they are expected to do around the house and with the kids. It's not that past dads didn't spend time with their kiddos, but dads in the past weren't typically expected to change diapers, make dinner, pick-up the kids, clean house, and so on.@Matt- I interned last summer with two big firms and that pretty well cured me of any dream of working for one. I'm currently shooting for a job with a legal research company that would allow me to have summers and all academic breaks off. Such is the dream. @David C.-What I meant by hands on, is that a lot of baby boomer guys often remark to guys in my generation how much more they are expected to do around the house and with the kids. It’s not that past dads didn’t spend time with their kiddos, but dads in the past weren’t typically expected to change diapers, make dinner, pick-up the kids, clean house, and so on.

@Matt-
I interned last summer with two big firms and that pretty well cured me of any dream of working for one. I’m currently shooting for a job with a legal research company that would allow me to have summers and all academic breaks off. Such is the dream.

]]> By: TheMightyQuinnhttp://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/15/balancing-work-and-family/#comment-19565 TheMightyQuinn Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:41:28 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=1253#comment-19565 Once a week, cook for your family with your kids. Your wife will appreciate it and your kids will love spending the time with you. If you can cook all the daily meals (Saturday or Sunday), even better. Plus, it helps keep your kitchen skills sharp. Once a week, cook for your family with your kids. Your wife will appreciate it and your kids will love spending the time with you. If you can cook all the daily meals (Saturday or Sunday), even better. Plus, it helps keep your kitchen skills sharp.

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