More Than a Job: A Story of Finding Family Time and Career Satisfaction

For many of us, career paths are defined not just by what we want to do, but also by the environment we do it in.

In Alex’s case, he realized he didn’t need more side gigs or drastic changes. What he truly needed was a shift into a company that shared his values—a place that respected employees’ lives outside of work.

If you’re feeling like Alex, maybe the answer isn’t more work or chasing the next big venture. Sometimes, the key to a fulfilling career is simply finding a culture and environment that respect and align with who you are.

Alex, a senior engineer at a high-profile company, seemed to have it all—a respected role, a solid benefits package, and a great salary. But the success came with a cost: almost all of Alex’s time went into work. His position demanded long hours, and he rarely had time left for much else.

When his daughter was born, things changed. It struck him how little he actually saw her. Each morning, he left for work before she woke up, and by the time he came home, she was already asleep.

While she meant it lightheartedly, Alex knew there was truth to it. Saturdays became his only day to rest and recuperate, leaving little time for real family moments.

This nagged at Alex, especially as he saw friends and colleagues facing similar issues. Many of them also struggled to balance career ambitions with a genuine desire to be there for their families. It got him thinking: What options did he have to reclaim more time for what truly mattered?

Determined to make a change, Alex experimented with several options to carve out more personal time. Here’s what he tried and why each attempt fell short:

Freelancing: Freelancing seemed like it might offer more control over his schedule, but Alex soon found that it came with its own issues. Many freelance gigs offered low pay, and he often had to deal with demanding clients. It felt like he was working harder for less reward, and it didn’t bring him the flexibility he was hoping for.

A Project with His Wife: To diversify income, Alex and his wife launched a website based on her interests. It brought in some ad revenue at first, but after their daughter arrived, his wife lost interest, and the website needed more upkeep and funds than it generated. It ended up being more of a liability than an asset.

Side Hustles and Pet Projects: Alex also tried smaller side projects, hoping one might turn into something bigger. Although they brought in small amounts of money, none of these projects grew into a sustainable income source.

Investment: He tried investing as well, hoping for some “passive” income, but managing investments turned out to be far from hands-off. Each day brought new demands and decisions, which only added to his stress.

Through all of these efforts, Alex found himself in the same position: drained, stretched thin, and without a real solution to balance work and family life. The idea of starting a business came up, but it felt like a non-starter for him, as he was already overwhelmed with his current workload.

Finally, Alex took a step back and considered that maybe the root problem was the culture at his company. He was working in a high-demand environment where long hours and intense schedules were simply expected. When he first started, he was motivated, genuinely inspired by the role, and even proud of the company’s reputation. But over time, he realized that his work culture valued output above all else, often at the expense of personal lives.

Alex’s job had lost its appeal. His motivation had waned, and he felt distanced from his colleagues who seemed to be on the same unsustainable path. He began to realize that, ultimately, he didn’t want his career to cost him his relationship with his family. And while he had originally ruled out the idea of finding a new job, it now seemed like it could be his best option for a balanced life.

Instead of piling on more side gigs or starting a business, Alex decided to focus on finding a workplace with a supportive culture - one that respected his boundaries and encouraged a healthier work-life balance. Companies that embrace these values are out there; some offer flexible schedules, remote work options, and genuinely promote a balanced approach to work.

Here’s what Alex decided to look for in his next role:

1. Healthy Workload and Flexibility: A role with a balanced workload, remote options, and flexible hours would allow him to manage his time better. He wanted to find a company that valued results, not just hours clocked in.
2. Supportive Leadership: Managers who value their employees’ personal time and prioritize work-life balance would make a huge difference in his experience. In such a company, leadership often sets the tone for healthy boundaries.
3. Room for Growth: Alex still wanted to develop his skills and work on meaningful projects, but he realized this growth didn’t need to come at the cost of his family life. A company that provided ongoing learning opportunities could bring back the spark he once felt in his career.
4. A Mission That Resonates: Alex wanted a job with purpose, one where the company’s mission aligned with his own values. Working for an organization with a mission he believed in would help his work feel more personally fulfilling.
5. Location and Commute: Long commutes had eaten up a lot of his time. By finding a role closer to home, or one that was fully remote, he could reclaim hours that he could spend with his family instead.
6. Comprehensive Benefits: Good benefits, including paid parental leave, mental health support, and retirement planning, would contribute to his long-term security and happiness.

I also recommend you to read related articles which help you with the career and provide some guidance:
How to Avoid Common Career Traps and Get Ahead
Promotions Gone Wrong: From Star Performer to Struggling Leader
The Professional Mindset: How Deep Expertise and Passion Fuel Success
The First 90 Days: A Guide to Success as a New Employee

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Whether you need help with specific tasks or full HR management, UnitiQ can scale support to fit your business needs. Our approach prioritizes hiring aligned with company values, fostering a productive culture, and bringing fresh, external insights to improve engagement and compliance. In addition to HR support.

UnitiQ also offers CV reviews and personalized career advice, helping candidates position themselves effectively in the job market. With a dedicated contact person for seamless communication and a pool of industry-specific experts, UnitiQ ensures you get tailored, effective HR solutions without the overhead of a full-time hire.

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