by Alycia Morales

Created on: March 09, 2009

With the economy in the plunge that it is in right now, it becomes a tough choice when having to choose family or career. Many are facing unemployment for the first time, losing the career they'd worked so hard for, while having to continue supporting their families. Do we keep striving for a new career, or do we focus our attention to our families? It's a tough question, and the answers are not any easier.

I am in a slightly different position than most. I chose my family over a career when I had my first son. That was nine years ago, and I am now facing a new choice. I have college loans that need to be paid off, so that my husband and I can continue towards our chosen path in life. I've been out of the work force for the past 10 years, and I face going back to work full time, even in the midst of a failing economy. Yet, I still find it difficult to leave the immediate presence of my children to head into an office for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. And if any of us know how a work day goes, most will know that an 8 hour day can easily turn into more.

I do see some hope in this inward debate, however. When choosing family verses career, there is not a law that says that you cannot have both at the same time. It's simply a matter of balancing and good time management.

It is at this point in time that I would follow a few guidelines, keeping them balanced and healthy, rather than sacrificing the relationships with my spouse and children or sacrificing the opportunity to get out of debt and continue on towards my true choice of career path.

First, I would be certain that my employer knows that I have a family, and that my family comes first. The future generation that I am raising has a priority over any career, which comes and goes. My family is permanent in my life. My career will end one day, either via retirement or any other unforseen circumstance. Most employers that I would choose to work for would understand this. There are plenty of companies and corporations to choose from who are family-oriented. If they aren't, keep seeking out one that is. Keep family a priority, not the hours at the office. Set boundaries. Let them know that you expect an eight hour day, with maybe a couple of exceptions a month, which must be pre-arranged. As a mother, I know what a hassle it is to find last minute babysitting because you are required to stay late on no notice. I also know what a hassle it is to call in to work to explain that your three year old just came down with

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