How to balance work and family life

It can be tough to create a balance between work and home life. Especially when you're trying to maintain a career, build a new business and raise four kids all at the same time. I have always been a working mother, sometimes it was part-time, but for the most part it was almost always full-time. At one point, I had two part-time jobs and went to school part time. I do remember studying until 1 or 2 in the morning...don't ask me how I did it. However, I can tell you that one of the part-time jobs, which was a 3rd shift job, did not last long.

I have been fortunate enough to have some (not all) great and understanding bosses. I'm the kind of person who tends to put my job first; especially if I have plans of moving upward. I can't tell you if that was always the best decision, but for certain times in my life it worked. Do I look back and think I should have spent more time with my kids while they were young? Yes, I do, but then again, I'm sure most people have the same wish.

On several occasions, I've heard people say "small kids, small problems; big kids, big problems." Lately, I find that I'm beginning to understand what that means. And, unfortunately, the bigger problems take longer to resolve. I am so grateful that I find myself again fortunate enough to work for a great bunch of people who understand that family truly does come first. I still don't feel like I have everything quite in balance but as long as I don't miss much of anything in regards to the kids, that's what truly matters.