It is a privilege to be here today to discuss a topic that is increasingly important in today’s world: Work-life Integration. As a former Vice President of Upstream in the Oil and Gas industry, I have navigated the complexities of a demanding career while striving to maintain a fulfilling personal life. Today, I want to share with you some personal challenges, strategies, and thoughts on how the role of men in balancing career and family responsibilities is evolving.
I will begin by asking ‘What is Work-Life Balance?’
For me, there are three (3) phases of ‘Work-Life Balance that I went through in my career.
1. Single and living at home with my mom
2. As a newly married man
3. Married with a family.
All these stages come with their different experiences and challenges.
Let me acknowledge that work-life integration has never been an easy journey. The oil industry is known for its high-pressure environment, with long hours and the constant demand for results. Early in my career, I was driven to climb the corporate ladder, which meant taking on multiple responsibilities that often spilled over to my personal life.
This relentless pursuit of career goals had an impact. As work responsibilities spilled into my private life, I began to observe a growing disconnect at home. It became clear that true success required more than just professional achievements; it needed a balance that nurtured both my career and my family life.
In recent years, I have seen a significant shift in how men approach work-life integration. The traditional view of men as sole breadwinners, detached from household responsibilities, is evolving. More men are now recognizing the importance of being present, not just financially, but emotionally and physically, in their families’ lives.
This shift is partly driven by a new understanding of success. It is no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder. Success now includes having meaningful relationships with our children, being supportive partners, and contributing to the household beyond financial provisions.
One of the most significant changes I have observed is the rise of shared responsibilities at home. I have seen colleagues who take pride in being hands-on fathers like assisting with homework, and being equal partners in household chores. This change is not just about fairness; it is about building stronger families and, by extension, more resilient communities.
So, how do we achieve this balance? Let me share a few strategies that have worked for me and might resonate with you.
– Prioritize What Matters Most: It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of work. But take a step back and ask yourself, what truly matters? For me, it was my family. Once I identified this, I started setting boundaries—no work calls during dinner, no checking emails during family time. These small changes made a significant difference.
– Be Present: It is not enough to just be at home; you need to be mentally and emotionally present. When you are with your family, focus on them. Put away your phone, turn off your laptop, and engage with them. Your real presence is the most valuable gift you can give.
– Communicate with Your Partner: Achieving work-life integration is not something you can do alone. It requires open and honest communication with your partner. Discuss your challenges, your goals, and how you can support each other. It is about teamwork.
– Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that you cannot do everything perfectly. There will be days when work takes precedence, and other days when family does. The key is to find a balance over time, not every single day.
– Self-Care is Key: Do not forget to take care of yourself. Exercise, hobbies, and time for reflection are not luxuries; they are necessities. A well-balanced individual is better equipped to handle the demands of both work and life.
The role of men in achieving work-life integration is critical. By embracing this evolving role, we contribute not only to our own well-being but to the well-being of our families and our workplaces. This is not just a personal journey; it is a societal shift.
We need to continue pushing for environments – both at work and at home that support this balance. It is not just about reducing work hours or delegating household chores; it is about fostering a culture that values the full spectrum of life.
As we look to the future, let us commit to supporting one another in this journey. Let us challenge outdated norms and create new definitions of success that include thriving in both our careers and our personal lives.
