Sharing a life with someone means being each other’s support system. It also means taking into account each other’s needs, wants, and realities when it comes to career decisions.
It is very important for couples to know how to strike a healthy balance between their marriage and career. The role a spouse plays in professional achievement is significant for couples who want to develop a continuous solid relationship and they must learn how to work together as a team with the complimentary skill sets they possess.
Being interested in and learning about your partner’s work life and sharing about your own are important ways of maintaining that mutual interest and of promoting the limitless possibilities of mutuality.
Here are some ways you can be supportive towards your spouse’s career:
- Show Public Support—You may get invited to offer support to your spouse regarding a work related gathering or event. When this happens, endeavor to show genuine interest by finding out the basic or important information regarding what the event is about and also the people that will be in attendance. Ensure that you are harmed with at least the basic information about the company/industry so you would be able to have a decent and comfortable conversation at
the event. This will help you from appearing clueless when professional conversations come up.
- Give A Professional And Non-Judgmental Feedback—Your spouse may ask for your input regarding a work related issue. This shows that they value your professional opinion and contributions regarding work related issues. Make sure you fully understand the question being asked so you would be able to answer in the best was possible.
- Give A Listening Ear— It is so important to not just show interest but to also listen when one partner wants to disclose information about their work, even if you don’t fully understand the intricacies of the career, make your spouse feel reassured that you are concerned about how they feel regarding the particular situation.
- Celebrate Their Wins—Celebrate both the small and BIG successes in your careers. Did your spouse get a raise or promotion? Or they solved a challenge at work or have figured out how to deal with that difficult boss or co-worker? Great! Celebrate! Find ways to make one another feel special and appreciated for your successes. Do something that shows you see how they are showing up and succeeding in their career.
If you fundamentally respect each other as a couple, value and appreciate each others’ careers, want to help each other succeed, and keep the lines of communication open, you’ll be able to handle and quite possibly even embrace the twists and turns you both encounter in your careers along the way.
No matter the challenge, finding ways to effectively support your spouse’s career should be a goal of married life. It will increase satisfaction and improve the overall health and happiness in your home.
From all you have learnt now, what are the practical ways you can start supporting your spouse?
