Life is pretty complicated, isn’t it? I’m sure things were never easy but this isn’t the 1950s, that’s for sure.

It seems one of the biggest challenges we face is with trying to find balance between marriage and work.  We need money to survive,  to pay our bills, buy food and put a roof over our heads. And to earn money we must work. So what are some effective ways to balance work and life?

First, realize that although money is very important, it isn’t everything — it is not the most important thing in our lives.

This is easier said than done, especially when you’re struggling to pay bills at the end of the month. But if your bills are about to swallow you up,  then maybe it’s time to see which obligations you can get rid of in order to create  some peace of mind.

For instance, if your family has both a landline telephone and cell phones, then maybe you can get rid of the landline. I have a friend who did this and is saving $800 a year; maybe you can do the same in your pursuit of work/family balance.

Do you have TV channels that you don’t watch? If so, then maybe it’s time to get rid of them and downgrade to a cheaper package.

If you typically eat out two or three times a week, can you eat out just once instead?

These measures might not seem like much, but they add up and ultimately help with finding balance because you won’t have to work as many hours to earn the money to pay those bills.

It’s important to remember that communication is essential to make marriage work. But, when you work long hours and wear yourself out, all you want to do when you get home is power down and collapse into your easy chair.

But you know this isn’t healthy. And it certainly isn’t balanced.

So consider working less – or pace yourself better at work – so that when you come home you have enough energy to communicate with your spouse and interact with your family.

If you often spend 60 – 70 hours a week at work, then it’s time you strive to strike a balance between your job and family.

Some people work those hours because they believe they have to in order to protect their job and advance in their career.

Others do it because work is their life. But at the end the day, nothing is as important as your marriage or family. So my advice to you is to review your priorities and make changes accordingly.

Okay. To strike a balance between work and family, start with cutting back on some of your non-essential expenditures. And if you’re in a work situation with a boss who is driving you to work-a-holism, then maybe you should ask yourself if the price you’re paying is too high. Do you really want to sacrifice those you love for a career? In the end, will it have been worth it to you if it cost you your marriage? Is it worth it if you lose your health, happiness and peace of mind?

Your marriage is your responsibility. And only you can do what needs to be done to create balance between work and family. So get started now and invest your life into what you know in your heart matters most.

What are some things you do to create work/family balance? Leave  a comment below to share your tips with the Mad about Marriage family.