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ALUMNI
EXCHANGE
A new forum for alumni to share ideas
about challenges facing Marriott School graduates.
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HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF FAMILY,
CHURCH, AND CAREER?
THERE ARE NO
easy fixes to maintaining a workable balance between family and
career; it is always a struggle. I have found that this sort of
balance can only be achieved through clear focus and relentless
personal discipline. Family time needs to be scheduled with the
same vigor and forethought as work commitments and then honored
as firmly. When you are home, be at home; when you are at work,
be at work. If work doesn't allow you to be home when you are at
home, maybe a career change is in order.
Steve Merrell
Hollister, CA
MBA ‘86
ESTABLISH FAMILY NEEDS as first
priority. Commit to family and personal prayer. Hold family home
evening and family scripture study. Eat dinner together as a family.
Develop traditions and rituals that will create a unique sense of
family in your home. Commit to these activities until they become
routine. Once they become habitual, you can maintain them during
times of stress and crisis.
Learn how to say "no" to those things that will not benefit your
family and career. Time is your most valuable resource. Investigate
and evaluate before you commit to responsibilities and activities
that take time away from your family. Likewise, carefully evaluate
expenditures and activities related to the family. A big screen
television may not create the type of family togetherness that you
really want.
Learn to say "no" to your career when it impacts your family in
a negative way. It is a myth that quality time will compensate for
quantity time. Spouses, children, and extended family cannot always
plan their needs around your limited availability. Teaching opportunities
abound in the simple process of day-to-day living.
Karen Taylor
Salt Lake City, UT
MBA ‘84
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