Balancing Work and Life: An Engineer’s Guide to Fulfillment

This article is part of our exclusive career advice series in partnership with the IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society.

Throughout my 40-year career as an electrical engineer and entrepreneur, I’ve often been asked how I achieve a work-life balance. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the question—and the way it’s framed—is inherently flawed. So my response to the inquiry is simple: I seek to live an integrated life where work and personal joy are not in conflict but in harmony.

The key is in shifting your mindset: Stop viewing work and life as opposites and start recognizing how they complement each other.

The notion of work-life balance suggests that work and life are opposing forces. Balance is seen as an elusive goal. The implication is that success in one area inevitably comes at the expense of the other. But what if the conflict is more imagined than real? Instead of trying to balance two separate entities, the goal should be to integrate them into a cohesive whole.

I won’t pretend that I have everything figured out. Life—especially with work, kids, and the everyday chaos of being part of a two-income household—is messy. But I’ve learned that work and life aren’t two things to balance; they’re two sides of the same coin. Rather than compartmentalizing them, I approach them as interconnected parts of a fulfilling journey.

Here are tips that have helped me embrace work and life as a unified whole.

Embracing chaos

Let’s be real, balancing a career with caring for children and handling daily responsibilities is chaotic, especially when both spouses are working. Between shuttling the kids to after-school activities, keeping up with household chores, and managing work deadlines, it can feel impossible to find time for everything. But here’s the thing: Balance doesn’t always come in the form of perfectly blocked time. It can come in small, intentional moments.

I’ve learned to make use of the in-between times to my advantage.

When I used to attend my child’s swim meets or was waiting for an event to start, for example, I would catch up on work with my iPad. I wasn’t always working, but in those moments where I’d otherwise just be waiting, I got things done. By strategically using downtime, you can keep on top of work while also being present for your family.

If you can find creative ways to merge the chaos of life with work demands, you can feel less overwhelmed, even when it all feels like a juggling act.

The integrated life mindset

When I experience joy or setbacks in my work, I share them with my family. By doing so, I bring them into the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey of running five technology companies. My work isn’t a separate part of my life, and having a conversation about it with those closest to me allows us to connect more deeply.

By involving my family members in my professional world, they’ve become more than bystanders; they’ve become a supportive sounding board. The integration means that I don’t feel constantly torn between my work and my personal life. Instead, I’ve found harmony in embracing both.

By introducing the key figures in my professional life to my partner, I create context for them. It fosters empathy and understanding, allowing my spouse to offer emotional support. The transparency avoids the unrealistic pressure of “leaving work at work.” After all, we are human, and what happens at work affects how we feel at home.

For young engineers, that mindset shift is key. Don’t view work as something that competes with your personal life. View it as something that can be shared. The more your loved ones understand your professional world, the stronger your relationships can become.

For working couples, it can be especially relevant. Coordinating to give each other “catch-up time” helps create space for both partners to manage work commitments without sacrificing family experiences. It’s not about being perfect in both spheres. It’s about being present where you are.

Merging work and travel

Another way I’ve achieved the integration of work and life is by blending travel for business and pleasure.

On family vacations, I don’t treat time away as a complete break from work. I typically start my day early in the morning, catching up on email before everyone else wakes up. By the time my family is ready for breakfast, I’ve usually handled my work responsibilities and can be fully present with my spouse and children. The approach allows me to enjoy the day stress-free, knowing I’ve kept up with professional demands.

Work-life integration is also important at the personal level. On business trips, I always build in extra time to explore the area. These mini vacations transform my work trips from exhausting obligations into enriching experiences. I often visit places within a short flight from my business destination, turning a routine trip into an adventure.

Not all adventures have to be shared to be fulfilling. Sometimes solo experiences can refresh you just as much. The approach works for my spouse and I, as we each find our own ways to recharge before reuniting.

Dismissing the work-life balance myth

It’s important to schedule downtime, as it can make you more productive in the long run. Taking a few hours to relax without guilt is exactly what you need to tackle your next project with clarity. Sometimes after a full day of meetings, my spouse and I watch a TV show together, sharing each other’s company. On other days, we plan a dinner with no electronics, and we just talk about our day.

I’ve been able not only to achieve most of my professional goals but also to build a life rich in experiences and memories.

Life isn’t a zero-sum game between work and personal time. It’s about finding synergy between the two and designing your life so both parts can thrive. As engineers with analytical mindsets and problem-solving skills, we’re well suited to take on the challenge.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to engineers and young professionals, it’s this: Don’t chase balance; pursue integration. If you do, you’re likely to find that life in all its complexity becomes far more fulfilling. The experiences you create—both at work and at home—are sure to be richer, and your sense of accomplishment can extend beyond just your career.