On a recent episode of the Back to Better Book Club podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Bailey Raml, a senior learning consultant and mother of three. Our conversation focused on one of the most pressing topics for working professionals today—balancing career and family life. Bailey offered a unique perspective, sharing her experiences navigating the demands of a fulfilling career while raising her children.

The Art of Time Management

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was Bailey’s emphasis on time management. As someone who travels regularly for work, Bailey has developed a system to track her time efficiently. She shared how crucial it is to allocate specific hours for both work and family activities, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Bailey introduced the concept of “golden hours,” those moments in the day when you're at your most productive. By identifying these peak times, she’s able to maximize her work efficiency while leaving room for family commitments. We both agreed that time tracking is not just about staying on top of work tasks, but also making sure you’re dedicating time to what truly matters in your personal life.

Redefining Success and Significance

A major theme of our conversation was the idea of redefining success. For many, success is traditionally measured by career milestones—promotions, salary, and recognition. But Bailey challenged this notion by introducing the distinction between success and significance. While success might bring you professional accolades, significance is about finding personal fulfillment and meaning in what you do. This shift in perspective resonated with me deeply, as it aligns with my own journey of pursuing a career that leaves an impact not just on my family but also on the wider community.

Can We Really "Have It All"?

Another fascinating point we explored was the notion of "having it all." Bailey and I both agreed that this concept is often misunderstood. It’s easy to think that you need to excel in every area—career, family, social life—simultaneously. However, the reality is that balance looks different for everyone, and it’s important to set realistic expectations. Bailey shared how she negotiates her work hours to create a schedule that works for her family, demonstrating that flexibility is key to managing both worlds.

We also discussed the importance of self-examination in defining what balance means for each individual. Understanding your personal values and goals helps guide decisions about work and family life. For Bailey, this meant reassessing her work commitments to ensure they aligned with her priorities as a mother. It’s a reminder that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating harmony in a way that fits your unique situation.

Flexibility is Key

As Bailey’s story highlights, flexibility in both work and parenting is essential. Whether it’s negotiating remote work arrangements or setting boundaries around work hours, having the ability to adapt your schedule can make all the difference. We talked about how this flexibility has evolved in recent years, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how it continues to shape the future of work-life balance.

This episode was a wonderful reminder that work-life balance is an ongoing process of self-discovery and adjustment. Success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about finding significance and fulfillment in all areas of life. Bailey’s story inspires us to redefine what it means to “have it all” and to embrace flexibility as we navigate our personal and professional lives.