Does juggling work/life get easier with age?

    On The Juggle blog, Sue Shellenbarger writes: Many parents believe they get better at balancing work and family as they grow older. I thought long and hard about whether I agree.

    Sue believes sticking to priorities, staying calm under pressure, drawing boundaries against overwork – all become easier with age. She writes: "I guard against stress better and I’m more patient. But I’m worse at other things — seizing opportunities for spontaneous fun, keeping up with my kids on the ski slopes or soccer field, or finding the energy for quick weekend trips away."

       For me, the juggle was particularly difficult in the early years when my kids weren't self sufficient and I felt I had to be there for them as a caretaker and entertainer. As they get older, the demands on their time are greater. My kids need me in a different way and they understand when I want time for myself or my job. But there's definitely more driving required --  getting kids to the right places at the right times and more opportunities for events to conflict with work schedules.

    So, do we get better at balancing as we age and our kids age? I think what we lack in energy as parents when we grow older, we make up for in acquired organization skills. We simply know how to handle the juggle much better. Do you agree? Have you become a better juggler with age?      

Comments

[fedrik]

Hi,

Many parents believe they get better at balancing work and family as they grow older. But Now I am 30, mother of 3 years kid I balance my work and family too with the help of http://www.tabup.com. TabUp helps me in organizing my kids activities.