Choosing a career in product management means understanding that success doesn’t come from working a simple 9-to-5 job. It’s a field that demands time, energy, and commitment beyond normal working hours—especially when managing a global team.

With calls scheduled at all hours to accommodate different time zones, last-minute fires to put out, and the constant drive to push projects forward, the work never really stops. Add to that the reality of remote work, which blurs the line between office and home, and the challenge of being a present, engaged parent becomes even harder.

As someone responsible for leading a team, delivering key outcomes, and providing for my family, I constantly battle with the feeling that work takes too much priority. But at the same time, I want to give my family the best life possible. It’s a delicate balancing act, and if I’m honest, one I haven’t yet mastered.

A Typical Workday: When Does It Stop?

Mornings are the easiest part of my day. My daughter is an early riser, usually waking up around 6 AM. We spend time together before I take her to preschool near our house. It’s one of the few moments of the day where I feel like I’m fully present as a dad—no emails, no Slack notifications, just us.

By 8:15 AM, I’m back home, grabbing a quick shower before diving into my workday. From that moment on, it’s a constant stream of meetings, strategy sessions, and deep-focus tasks.

The challenge comes in the afternoons. By 3 PM, when my daughter comes home from preschool, I’m usually stuck on a call or deep in a complex problem. She wants my attention, and I want to give it to her, but work doesn’t just stop because she’s home.

Dinner time is another struggle. Because of my evening meetings, I miss most family dinners. My work commitments, especially when dealing with U.S. time zones, often stretch into the evening, meaning I only get a short window of time with my daughter before she goes to bed.

I try to finish on time on Fridays, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always happen. Work always finds a way to bleed into personal time, and that’s something I need to work on.

The Burden of Leadership and the Difficulty of Switching Off

One of the biggest challenges of being in a leadership role is that it’s not just my own workload I have to manage—I’m also responsible for my team. That means checking in on their progress, unblocking issues, and making sure they’re supported.

When you’re in a leadership position, the pressure to always be available is high. You feel like if you’re not constantly engaged, things might start falling apart. And with today’s remote work culture, the expectation to always be “just a message away” makes it even harder to disconnect.

I often find myself logging back in after the kids are asleep just to check emails or review something I didn’t have time to look at during the day. It’s a habit I know isn’t healthy, but it’s hard to break when you’re wired to keep pushing forward.

Work vs. Family: The Sacrifices We Make

To have a successful career means making sacrifices. What that looks like is different for everyone. For me, it means traveling when needed, missing some bedtimes, and working late when the job demands it.

At the same time, I recognize that time with my kids is something I’ll never get back. My 10-year-old son would rather play PlayStation and talk loudly to his friends than hang out with me now, which is completely normal—but it’s also a reminder that kids grow up fast.

I know that in a few years, my daughter will be more independent too. If I don’t make a change now, I’ll regret it later. The real challenge is figuring out how to be successful at work without sacrificing the moments that truly matter at home.

Finding a Better Balance: Tips for Working Parents

While I haven’t fully mastered the balance, I have learned a few things along the way. Here are some strategies that I’ve found helpful—and that might help others in the same situation.

1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is that there’s no clear start or stop to your day. It’s easy to keep going long after you should have shut your laptop. Setting clear boundaries—like a hard stop at 6 PM or no calls after dinner—can make a big difference.

Actionable Tip:

• Block time on your calendar for family commitments (even if it’s just 30 minutes).

• Set “Do Not Disturb” hours on Slack and email notifications.

2. Prioritize Quality Time Over Quantity

You might not have endless hours with your kids every day, but the time you do have should be fully engaged. Instead of scrolling emails while they play, actually sit down and play with them.

Actionable Tip:

• Put your phone away for one full hour of focused family time each day.

• Create a mini tradition (e.g., bedtime stories, Saturday breakfast, or gaming nights).

3. Work Smarter, Not Longer

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that working more hours means getting more done. The reality? It usually just leads to burnout. Working smarter—through better prioritization, delegation, and focus—means you can be just as productive without sacrificing personal time.

Actionable Tip:

• Identify your top 3 priorities each day and focus on them first.

• Use the Pomodoro Technique (work in 25-minute sprints with short breaks).

• Outsource or delegate low-value tasks whenever possible.

4. Communicate Expectations with Your Family

If your partner and kids don’t understand your work schedule, frustration builds. Having open conversations about when you’ll be busy and when you’ll be free helps set the right expectations.

Actionable Tip:

• Every Sunday, discuss the upcoming week’s schedule with your family.

• If you have a busy week, plan ahead for quality time on less hectic days.

5. Learn to Let Go of Guilt

This is one I still struggle with. I often feel guilty about missing moments with my kids, but I also know I’m doing what I need to do to give them a good life. The key is accepting that you can’t do it all, all the time—and that’s okay.

Actionable Tip:

• Instead of dwelling on missed time, focus on being present when you are there.

• Remind yourself that providing for your family is also an act of love.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Perfect Balance

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to balancing career and family. Every job, family dynamic, and personal priority is different. What matters is finding what works for you and being intentional about making time for the things that matter most.

For me, I’m still figuring it out. Some days I feel like I’ve nailed it—other days, not so much. But as long as I’m making an effort to be present, to set boundaries, and to prioritize what’s important, I know I’m on the right track.

What about you? If you’re a working parent, how do you balance career and family? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.