How to Fit Your Career into Your Life - and Not the Other Way Around

For those of us who live by 9 to 5 each week, the boundaries between career and life often blur. The high-energy demands of meeting quotas, client calls, and constant hustle can make it feel as though your life revolves around your work.??

Coming back from the holiday break can also leave us flustered and at a loss of how to re-emerge at work with a renewed sense of ensuring your career does not take over your life.?

I believe firmly in giving my work 150%, but the fact of the matter is that work will never be my first priority. For me, my faith in God and my family and will always take precedent (in addition to being a good wife, friend, daughter, sister, neighbor – all of which can be overwhelming when adding in work!)?

Over the years I’ve come to realize that time is precious, and work doesn’t have to take over your life. You can be successful in your career and live a fulfilling life outside of work by flipping the script: fit your career into your life, not your life into your career.??

I’ve put some ideas on how to accomplish this in the points below. My hope is that you too can find a sense of balance and ability to feel like you are still living your life well, while maintaining a career.??

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables?

Before anything else, take a moment to define what truly matters to you. These non-negotiables could include family dinners, a morning workout, taking a 20-minute walk each day, attending a weekly Bible study, or others.?

Write your non-negotiables down and treat them as immovable appointments on your calendar. Remember, these activities and moments in the day, though small, are normally the unique and beautiful aspects that make you YOU; so start prioritizing them.??

By identifying your priorities, you’ll ensure your career enhances your life rather than overtakes it.?

Pro Tip: Block time on your work calendar for personal priorities just as you would for a client meeting. It signals their importance to you and your team. It also allows you to have assurance it will happen, while reassuring you that it fits into the work demands you’re also trying to meet.??

2. Reframe Your Career as a Tool, Not Your Identity?

It’s easy to conflate who you are with what you do and your accomplishments, especially in high-visibility or high-achievement fields like sales.?

But your career is a tool to help you achieve the life you want—financially, professionally, and personally. It’s not who you are at your core. Keeping this distinction clear can help you step back and view your career as a piece of your life puzzle, not the entire picture.??

And, as a bonus, I’ve found that re-framing my thoughts on this point also helps manage work stress.?

3. Master the Art of Time Management?

In your career, your schedule can be unpredictable. However, mastering time management can help you regain control.??

Use strategies like time blocking, batching similar tasks, and prioritizing your highest-impact activities to make room for what matters most. As part of that, do everything you can to remain focused and efficient to accomplish what you need to do during those time blocks.?

For instance, schedule specific times for follow-ups rather than letting them spill into your evenings. This practice can free up mental energy and create clear start and end points for your workday.???

I’d rather miss a meeting here or there to attend my child’s concert or game. That also might mean that I may work an hour in the evening occasionally to make sure I still hit deadlines.?

It all hearkens back to time management and making it work for you.?

4. Communicate Boundaries?

Just like in any relationship, communication is key.??

Careers, especially ones like sales, often demand availability. However, you’re not always going to be available. This why clear communication can set boundaries without compromising performance.??

Let clients and colleagues know your preferred response times or availability hours. Or if you cannot be available, let them know who they can reach out to in your place. Most people will respect your boundaries when you communicate with them confidently and professionally.?

5. Build a Support System?

A strong support network—both at work and at home—is essential.??

Whether it’s a mentor who offers career advice, a spouse who shares household responsibilities, or a trusted colleague who can help brainstorm, lean on others to create balance. No one does it alone, and you don’t have to either.?

For me, I’m thankful for friends outside of work who I can talk to and “do life” with who are part of my church, friends from college, great neighbors, and of course, my wonderful husband who keeps me sane.?

6. Redefine Success?

Success can mean many things, but you define what you see and believe as success.??

So, instead of measuring success solely by aspects such as your sales and growth numbers or other goals achieved, expand your definition to include personal milestones, relationships, and well-being.?

Did you attend your child’s recital, stick to your fitness goals, or have dinner with a friend this week? Celebrate those wins just as much as you celebrate closing a big deal.?

7. Tap Into Your "Why"?

Why? Just like your kid may question you about why things are done, you too should routinely check in with yourself and ask this question.??

Knowing why you do what you do can ground you. Reconnecting with your “why” can help you stay aligned with your goals and remind you that your career should serve your life, not consume it.?

Final Thoughts?

Fitting your career into your life requires intentionality, boundaries, and a willingness to redefine success. What I’ve learned is that it’s about recognizing that life is not a series of quotas to meet but a journey to enjoy. I believe God gives us the ability to choose how we spend our time and energy – listen to Him, chase after it, and live your life to its fullest.?