How can the modern person have it all? In an increasingly competitive job market, it seems almost impossible to balance a bright career with a passionate relationship. If ’90s romcoms have taught us one thing, it’s that one often has to be given up for the other. But by implementing conscious practices and boundaries to preserve both parts of your life you can have it all.
TALK IT OUT
A relationship can’t survive without mutual understanding and communication. Listen, express yourself, and set guidelines to avoid predictable problems from surfacing. Be transparent and vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions early into your relationship so that you can avoid conflicts later. Work together to build a foundation of emotional support for each other’s careers.
MAKE TIME
Work is going to get in the way at times. Yes, lock down mandatory work commitments in your calendar, but do the same for time with your partner! It could be a weekly date night, a Sunday hike, or a monthly getaway. Putting conscious effort into both time commitments will help you balance them well instead of being pulled in both directions.
CHOOSE WISELY
Between careers and relationships, one is admittedly more flexible than the other. But that doesn’t mean you should take advantage of that freedom. You’ll find that work does not have to be prioritized in every situation, and compromises can be made in both areas. Say it’s your partner’s birthday, but you have a work commitment. How important is that work commitment? Could you get a colleague to cover for you? If you can’t, be transparent about the importance of this commitment to help your partner understand, and make it up to them in a grand way! A solid, loving relationship will last longer than any job, so don’t take your partner for granted, and always find ways to appreciate them.
GET WITH THE PROGRAM
A relationship is a two-way street. If you want your partner to compromise for your career, you should be willing to do the same for them. Take an interest in your partner’s commitments and make adjustments when you can for their sake. If you are asking for a big compromise from your partner for your career, such as moving to a different country, remember to be grateful and support them in their endeavours when you can. Respect your partner’s opinion and make decisions together! When you are both putting effort to build each other up, anything is possible.
