Confession #7: It is all about Harmony

Recently I posted a quote from Sheryl Sandberg regarding work and life balance and how such a thing doesn’t really exist. I happen to agree with this 100%. We Millennial’s are multi-taskers, overachievers, ambitious and we want it all: a great career, our own business, volunteer for non-profits and a family. And we won’t settle for one or the other—and why should we?  Many times we are told, “You can’t have it all, you either have a great career and are very successful or you have a family, not both at the same time”. Granted I don’t have kids yet, but I have a husband, a house and a four legged fury creature that I have to tend to everyday. But I don’t feel like I have to give up my dreams and aspirations to take care of my little family—on the contrary, they are the reason I want to pursue my dreams.

Finding time to spend quality time together!

Recently the hubby told me something he heard and I agree with it 100%: what we need to achieve is work and life harmony. I am very blessed to have married a man who believes in me and encourages me to take on challenges. We both support each other on the pursuit of our dreams and we make sacrifices for each other when necessary.

For example, the other day I was stressing out with a test a had to take for my MBA, and the hubby took care of dinner—we ate take out—but still, he knew I was stressing so he made sure I didn’t have to worry about making food for us. He also took care of our dog and made sure she didn’t bother me while I was taking the test—she loves to jump on top of me and sit on my laptop when I am working which is cute but annoying. He tidy up the house a bit because he knows that I get even more stressed when the house is messy. All these small things tell me that he has my back and that he will make sure I achieve my goals. 

talking about support, these two fell asleep in my office while I was studying. they are there for me even if they are sleeping

I do the same for him.Last year, a great speaking opportunity popped up for the hubby but it was on the day of my birthday. His initial reaction was to decline because of my birthday, but I knew it was a great opportunity so I told him to accept it. I helped him prep for the presentation and on the day of, I was there helping with logistics and other things. After the keynote, we celebrated my birthday, and it was awesome. It’s all about compromise. We are both busy at work and most days, we have engagements after work.  But not one days goes by, without us talking to each other---even if it’s late and I am talking incoherently because I am sleepy—we make sure we communicate with each other constantly. 

Celebrating my birthday after the speaking engagement!

So we have found the work/life harmony that works for us. We are able to spend quality time with each other, take care of our family and still pursue our dreams. Yes, some days we are so exhausted and tired we ask ourselves “what are we doing?” but then we get some rest and we are ready to keep going. I can’t say that this will continue to be the same when kids come into the picture, but I am sure we will be able to adjust our work/life harmony as needed.

The day we promised to be teammates for the rest of our lives!

 

The way I say it, marriage is a team. And much like a sports team works, the parties have to be synchronized to win the game. Also, teammates got to have each other’s back and fill in for one another when necessary. A marriage is no different. Make sure you have the right teammate—I sure do!

@thewifey