Being a pilot often involves complex schedules, time away from home, and demanding job responsibilities. Successfully balancing such a career with family life takes dedication and effort. However, finding equilibrium between work and personal commitments promotes overall well-being and longevity in the industry (Page et al., 2001). Here are some tips for maintaining work-life balance:
Communicate Openly
Ensure families understand scheduling intricacies upfront to set realistic expectations (Adkins & Premeaux, 2012). Compromise on quality time together when home to nurture bonds despite constraints.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Whether brief video calls or longer phone conversations during layovers, consistent contact reassures loved ones of thinking of them while traveling (Hill et al., 2018). Scheduling check-ins establishes routine.
Maximize Time Together
Fully unplug from work during allotted time off. Be present through engaged listening, shared meals, activities together to make most of limited family synchronization (Rantanen et al., 2013).
Rely on Support Systems
Enlist help from extended family or close friends for childcare or other responsibilities on duty days to ease solo parenting stress on partners (Masterson et al., 2014). Teamwork supports self.
Express Gratitude Often
Make sure families hear sincere appreciation for their flexibility and sacrifices which allow career fulfilment. Gratitude boosts commitment perceptions during challenges (Powell & Greenhaus, 2010).
Prioritizing quality connections with loved ones whenever schedules converge helps pilots sustain careers alongside family responsibilities. Finding equilibrium takes effort but yields maximum life satisfaction.
References
Adkins, C. L., & Premeaux, S. F. (2012). Spending time: The impact of hours worked on work-family conflict. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 80(2), 380–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2011.09.003
Hill, E. J., Grzywacz, J. G., Allen, S., Blanchard, V. L., Matz-Costa, C., Shulkin, S., & Pitt-Catsouphes, M. (2008). Defining and conceptualizing workplace flexibility. Community, Work and Family, 11(2), 149-163. https://doi.org/10.1080/13668800802024678
Masterson, C. R., MavriPlavres, D., Kerstetter, K., Mitchneck, B., & Hyle, A. (2014). An explorer's guide to 'family': Developing a family systems perspective for extension educators. Journal of Extension, 52(2). https://archives.joe.org/joe/2014april/a4.php
Page, K. M., Vella-Brodrick, D. A., & Stanley, J. (2021). Mental health promotion in aviation: A global approach. Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, 92(9), 758-761. https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.5947.2021
Powell, G. N., & Greenhaus, J. H. (2010). Sex, gender, and the work-to-family interface: Exploring negative and positive interdependencies. The Academy of Management Journal, 53(3), 513-534. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMJ.2010.51468647
Rantanen, E. M., Lehto, U. S., & Pinheiro, F. K. (2013). Work-family interface and well-being in organic and conventional dairy farming. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 18(2), 173. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0031755
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