Recently, in Southern California, a couple decided to have the wife stay home for a few years in order to raise their toddlers the way that they were raised. Interestingly enough, the feedback from most of the co-workers of both partners was that it was unrealistic for a woman in today's world to expect that staying home was an option. They all recommended returning to work as soon as possible.
Communities around the United States may have different attitudes, but the upshot is that the dual career couple may now be the social norm among professional couples. Of course the nice thing about having so many dual career couples is that social support in one's peer group will be strong because many people will face the same challenges and end up with the same interests.
Here is some ways that couples are finding success in their relationship when they both work:
Make Quality Time
Whether a couple has children or both have extremely exacting jobs, finding the time to tend the relationship in a way that fosters better communication is something that should not be compromised. One of the most popular ways of doing this is to create a date night and drop any work that was taken home in order to focus on enjoying a special evening with one's spouse.
Career Plan Together
WA person's work life can be quite complicated. Yet couples who openly share their career goals and work to support each other are normally going to have a better chance of success because they are clear about what each person in the relationship is trying to accomplish, what their timeline is, and how they will get there.
Embed Thoughtfulness
For those that are on a tight work schedule, finding the time to do anything extra is often quite difficult. It can be somewhat easy to put your head down at work and finish a project 3 months later, only to realize that you have lost a significant amount of relationship time. So, even if time is tight, communicating about the need to do something thoughtful for each other on a regular basis despite your schedules can help keep your relationship strong. Thoughtfulness often boils down to fulfilling a need or a desire that will be appreciated by your partner. It doesn't necessarily need to cost anything.
Because dual career couples are prevalent in many communities, couples that are trying to make both their relationship and their careers work can expect a lot of understanding as they move forward. Committing yourself to creating a relationship that affords more structural integrity is one life decision where there are no losers.