Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Balance
Balance. I remember hearing back in my education classes as an undergraduate that we all need to strike a balance between school and family. At the time I didn’t think it would be tough. I am now realizing it is very difficult. My wife and I have been arguing about how I have been at school at night more than at home. Track season is coming up and that takes up even more of our time. Sometimes I feel that extra effort as a teacher and coach is a noble cause, but my relationship with my family suffers. With one 15th month old, one on the way, an upcoming track season, an ill father, two new classes to teach, and these classes are making it tough to find the right balance. Something has to give. How do you find balance?
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That is a good question. I have it easier than most as far as work goes. My husband is a dairy farmer so he is gone as much as I am. When our children were in school, I still was able to go to almost all of their functions. I think I only missed a couple over the years. In my youth, I could stay up later and get up earlier and still function! I would grade papers after everyone went to bed or get up early and finish them. I can no longer keep the hours that I once did! Through my life experiences, I will say just one thing: Cherish every moment you can with your children. Nothing is more precious than a child. I hope your father is doing better. You are dealing with a lot.
ReplyDeleteHow to balance work with family is one of the biggest issues that a young teacher with a young family face. I wish I could give you a good answer but I can not. I do now some of the pain that you are going. Like Judy said "cherish every moment you can with your children", because before you know it they will be all grown up and you will wonder were that time went.
ReplyDeleteBalance... My husband and I too are struggling to find time. Right now he has added responsibilities at school too--coaching, volunteering as ski club mentor, dept. chair, and teaching. I also have been extremely stressed with the grad classes and trying to keep up with the kids. We just keep telling each other that we will get through this and summer time will make up for the lost time. But it is difficult, stressful, and frusterating. Just think, next year we will have accomplished a major task---earning our Master's Degree! Then we will have alot more time to spend with our families.
ReplyDeleteDo you/we ever really find balance...? I have a significant other, a two year old daughter, and I coach as well. So I too understand how demanding a everything can be. I always use a reference as to, "Part-time pain". Once I get through a task everything will slow down and be back to normal. Then I ask myself, what is normal? Its a never-ending process trying to juggle family, work, and a passion of coaching. Where do you find balance? Sometimes, I feel like I just cant catch a break... It's like being high in the sky, walking a shaking tight rope. While everyone is looking up at you, knowing that you will walk accross, and you thinking, "Boy I hope I dont fall"!
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