Lately, I’ve realized how much work has taken over my life. Between managing my team, endless meetings, and putting out daily fires, I’ve canceled more social plans than I can count. Last month alone, I rescheduled dinner with a close friend three times—and by the time we finally met up, I felt guilty for how long it had been. It’s starting to feel isolating, but I also don’t know how to make more time without falling behind. For those of you juggling leadership and personal life, how do you stay connected with friends? Any habits or boundaries that have worked for you?
Honestly? You have to choose. You can either work 24/7 and let friendships fade, or treat personal life as a non-negotiable priority. I used to think I’d “catch up later,” but you don’t get that time back. If you’re constantly canceling, it’s time to ask: are you leading your career, or is it leading you?
Wise words. Agree
True! Same for me as well.
Though,not at a people management level or leadership level but can relate.
Same
It's just a matter of how you deal with time. If you want to see friends, you just have to make time to do it. Make the date and move everything else to make that work. To be honest, if the job is such that you can't also have a social life, something is wrong and you need to rethink your obligations to your employer.
Putting out fires is one thing but leading your team is something else.
How are you organized for doing that? What items can you delegate? You’re sitting in a space right now and that space is telling you it’s time to slow down and step back because the next thing will happen Will be your body telling you it’s time to step back and you don’t want that.
I feel this way too. I’ve noticed I’ve lost a lot of friends and don’t really do too much outside of work due to not having enough time or energy. I need it to change because I don’t want this to be my life forever.