Quality of Life: Career and Family

Improve your quality of life! Who says you can't have the best of both worlds? That negative statement has been following us through one of the most economically challenging and highly competitive times, of our lifetime. The worst part is that most people believe it to be absolutely true. Balancing a career and marriage along with raising a family, has become a standard goal in just about every household. It's almost a necessity to have both parents working in order to bring in enough income, to pay the bills and live up to our society's busy, high-tech lifestyle. This has undoubtedly caused more stresses in the household and weakened family bonds. We want to contribute to the family's income, yet we don't often even find time to spend with our family members. Well you know as the old saying states, "If Mom (and/or Dad) is happy, the kids are happy." Our children not only hear but sense and feel our distress and anguish when we're stressed and unhappy. We can try to make light of things when we notice their concern, or apologetically embrace them when we "snap", but they know. The best way to bring this into view for your family as a positive environment, is to reduce or remove the stress that your job may bring. To put it in the most simplistic way, is to "do what you love". I know, I know, fun doesn't pay the bills, right? I guess it depends on what your idea of fun is, but I do know that you can make money doing things that are rewarding to you and things you are passionate about. You would be amazed at how things seem to fall into place and the changes you make somehow seem to work well financially too. Think about it for a minute or two. Those things that get you pumped up or get you really excited and passionate about. You could talk for hours about it and the rush you get from doing so keeps you smiling from ear to ear. Don't you think you would use that passion and drive to find ways to make the money that you need? Now look at your family members faces when you talk about it. Some of them may laugh and shake their heads in wonder, but children see that sparkle in your eyes and hear your excitement. They know at that moment that you are in your element, and they smile right there with you! We often tell our children that, "the sky is the limit", "you can do whatever you set out to do"! Um excuse me, but are we really expecting them to reach for the stars, if we settle for something that we don't truly enjoy? The money will follow, when you follow your heart and soul's desires. The more attention you give or focus you bring to needing money, the more lack of money will present itself. I'm not saying you should do a complete 180 degree turn in a week, but take some time to really think about where you are, who you are, and where you truly deserve to be. You owe it to yourself and to your family.