We Asked an Expert to Weigh In
Married to Your Job? The Impact on Your Relationship Is Complicated
Sure, work/life balance is the ultimate goal, but can working too much ruin a relationship? In a household where one partner has a job that’s more labor-intensive or high pressure than the other, it’s common for romance (or, heck, even just everyday conversation) to get put on the back burner. But while this no doubt triggers strain and stress, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist based in New York City, says it doesn’t have to be a relationship deal-breaker.
A recent study published in the journal Human Relations challenges the assumption that working longer hours has negative consequences on romantic relationships. On the contrary, the research suggests that when a person actively chooses to take on a career that requires an intense time commitment, they’re aware of the trade-off they’re making. In fact, a lot of times, they compensate for it, by prioritizing the time they do have with each other. (Quality over quantity, right?)
But there are trade-offs. Still, there are significant trade-offs, and the idea that a relationship evolves into a partnership where you’re just “two ships passing in the night” doesn’t seem the healthiest long-term. “The impact depends on the couple,” says Dr. Hafeez. “Many couples in the early years of a relationship understand that they need to hustle and that, while a relationship is an important part of life, career and life goals compliment that, so those things are important.”
