Written by: Chrissy Metge, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a leader in my industry as well as a mother, I do often get asked, how can you do what you do and have a family too.
1. Set Clear Priorities
Identify your core values and priorities in both your professional and personal life. This clarity will guide your decisions and actions.
2. Time Management
Time management is key to maximize productivity at work and create quality time for your family. I have two lists, family, and work, then within these lists I try to be brutally honest with what I can do within the time lots I have.
3. Continuous Learning
Invest in your professional development to enhance your skills and increase your value within your organization. I read or listen to audio books I jot down things in my notes app on my phone and keep a notebook next to my bed, commuting is also a great time to do this.
4. Seek Mentors And Role Models
Learn from experienced individuals who have successfully balanced their career and family life. Having a mentor, I have found valuable, and they can also help you break down your clear priorities.
5. Networking To Boost Your Career
Build a strong professional network that can offer support, opportunities, and advice as you progress in your career. In the old saying ‘It takes a village’ and this is very true, if not family support there are lots of different community support opportunities and online groups.
6. Negotiate Work Arrangements
If possible, negotiate flexible work options with your employer to accommodate family needs. With today’s climate hybrid working is becoming the norm you can maximise this to work with your needs.
7. Embrace Technology
Utilize tools and technology to streamline tasks, allowing you to be more efficient in both your work and family responsibilities. Work smarter not harder, I use many ways to remind me of events both for work and for home life from birthday parties to important presentations it is not possible for me to remember everything so it gives peace of mind for me to have apps that can remember for me.
8. Delegate And Share Responsibilities
Involve your partner and children in household chores and decision-making to ease the burden and promote a sense of teamwork. Be flexible with your standards, we all know we all love things to be ‘our way’ let go and accept there are many ways to do things and your life will become easier and more people will be willing to help.
9. Create Work-Life Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and family time to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance. I do suffer from FOMO, so it’s hard for me to now be involved in everything so I create plans at the beginning of the week and summaries at the end of the week so even though I’m not there for everything I can get a snapshot from all of my team members, and yes sometimes you will have to give up one school event out of 5 for that month, but discussing together which events/tasks are the most important you need to be across alleviates any disappointment.
10. Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care to ensure you are physically and emotionally equipped to handle the demands of both your career and family. This is probably the hardest of all, but the most important, it makes it easier if you put it in the calendar or diary in advance so family members know and it's planned just like everything else and other members can also do the same thing, it’s easier to accept as an appointment than a luxury.
Remember that finding the right balance is an ongoing process, and it's okay to adjust as your circumstances evolve. Communication, support, and adaptability are key to successfully climbing the ladder while nurturing a fulfilling family life.
Chrissy Metge, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Chrissy Metge has been a producer and leader in the animation film and TV industry for over 20 years. As well as making movies, Chrissy is an author, publisher, mentor, career coach, and lecturer to many creatives. Her love for storytelling and recognising and mentoring creative talent is her driving force for being a creative entrepreneur.
