As someone who has built a career in sales and cherishes the time I spend with my wife, Jenna, and our three children, balancing professional success with family life is a challenge I’m deeply familiar with. Sales can be demanding, requiring long hours, constant communication, and an ability to adapt to ever-changing goals. At the same time, family life demands presence, care, and intentionality.
Over the years, I’ve learned that achieving this balance isn’t about perfection but about prioritizing what matters most. Here are some strategies I’ve developed to stay present both at work and at home, allowing me to thrive in my career without losing sight of the people I hold dearest.
1. Embracing the Power of Scheduling
The key to balance starts with structure. Sales often involves packed schedules—calls, meetings, and client presentations can quickly fill up a day. To ensure I’m not neglecting my family, I take a deliberate approach to time management.
I treat family commitments with the same level of importance as work meetings. For example, if my daughter has a recital or my sons have a game, I block those times on my calendar. This way, I’m making a commitment to show up for them, just as I would for a high-stakes client pitch.
On the flip side, setting designated work hours helps me be fully present with my family outside of those times. When I’m at home, I make an effort to unplug from work and focus on quality time with Jenna and the kids.
2. Setting Boundaries and Saying No
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that saying “no” is sometimes necessary for saying “yes” to what truly matters. In sales, there’s often pressure to be available 24/7, but I’ve found that this approach isn’t sustainable in the long term.
Instead, I set boundaries with my clients and colleagues. For example, I let them know when I’m unavailable during family time but assure them I’ll respond promptly during work hours. This clarity not only protects my personal time but also establishes expectations and respect.
At home, boundaries are just as important. I communicate with my family about my work commitments so they understand when I need to focus on a project. By being transparent, I ensure that work and family life coexist harmoniously.
3. Leveraging Technology Without Letting It Take Over
Technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it enables me to stay connected with clients and work remotely, giving me flexibility to be there for my family. On the other hand, it’s easy to let emails and notifications consume my attention.
To strike a balance, I use technology strategically. I set specific times to check emails and respond to work-related messages, and I turn off notifications during family dinners or outings. Tools like shared calendars and project management apps help me stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
Additionally, I use technology to enhance family time. For example, I love capturing moments with my camera and turning them into videos we can enjoy together. This not only helps us relive memories but also creates a sense of connection and joy.
4. Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
In both sales and family life, quality matters more than quantity. I’ve learned that being fully present during the time I spend with my family is more impactful than simply being around without engaging.
When I’m with my kids, I make a conscious effort to put my phone away and focus on them. Whether it’s helping with homework, playing a game, or simply talking about their day, I want them to feel valued and heard.
The same principle applies to my work. Rather than trying to do everything at once, I focus on delivering exceptional value to my clients and building meaningful relationships. By doing so, I’m able to achieve better results in less time, freeing me up for family life.
5. Involving My Family in My Career Journey
One strategy that has worked well for me is involving my family in my career journey. I share stories about my work with Jenna and the kids, explaining what I do and why it’s important. This not only helps them understand the demands of my job but also makes them feel included.
Sometimes, I’ll even bring my kids into my creative process. For instance, if I’m working on a video presentation for a client, I’ll show them my editing work or ask for their opinions. It’s a great way to bond and share a part of my life with them.
6. Recognizing the Importance of Self-Care
Balancing work and family can be exhausting if I don’t take time for myself. I’ve found that self-care is essential for staying present and effective in both areas of my life.
For me, self-care involves activities that recharge my energy—like playing the piano, editing videos, or going on a family hike. These moments of relaxation help me reset and show up as the best version of myself for both my clients and my family.
7. Learning to Adapt and Let Go of Perfection
Finally, I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean perfection. There will be days when work takes over and others when family needs my full attention. What matters is being adaptable and not letting guilt dictate my actions.
By focusing on what I can control and letting go of the rest, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of my dual roles with greater ease. It’s not about getting it right all the time; it’s about being intentional and doing my best.
Conclusion: Building a Life of Balance and Fulfillment
Balancing a demanding sales career with family life isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing scheduling, setting boundaries, and focusing on quality over quantity, I’ve been able to stay present for the people and work that matter most.
At the end of the day, success for me isn’t just measured by sales numbers or accolades; it’s measured by the love and connection I share with my family. Whether I’m closing a deal or making memories with Jenna and the kids, I know I’m building a life that reflects my values—and that’s the greatest achievement of all.