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  • Eddie Eccker, MS, LMFT

The Executive Marriage

In the realm of personal achievement and societal triumph, a thriving marriage serves as a powerful testament. However, for those entrapped in the relentless grip of executive leadership, infusing life into their marriage can feel like a daunting task. The statistics paint a grim picture: a staggering 60% of high-ranking executives face the specter of divorce, a figure that far surpasses the national average. Delving into the heart of the matter, the essence of quality time seems to be gradually evaporating. Burdened by professional obligations that consume their every waking hour, executives often grapple with the relentless ticking of the clock. Work infiltrates their personal sanctuary, with long office hours and frequent business trips becoming the norm. This imbalance can strain their marriage, potentially giving rise to feelings of neglect and desolation.


Executives working wild hours
Executives at Work

Extensive research underscores the value of quality time in sustaining a relationship. A 2016 study in the Journal of Marriage and Family titled "Time for Each Other: Work and Family Constraints Among Couples," conducted by Sarah Flood and Katie Genadek, unveils this critical truth. Couples who are time-poor witness a slump in relationship satisfaction, accompanied by an uptick in marital disagreement. With a basic understanding of human nature this shouldn't all that surprising


For executives, the task at hand is to balance professional commitments with personal life. Dedicating quality time specifically to their spouses is the secret sauce to a prosperous marriage. This could mean earmarking time for intimate dinners, planning vacations in unison, or simply seizing small, everyday moments to connect and communicate. The goal is to extract the maximum from these moments, irrespective of their brevity or rarity.


Executives must continually keep learning how to be married.
Learning Never Stops

Communication forms the bedrock of a fortified executive marriage. It’s not just about lending an ear, but also understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of their partner. An executive must remember that a spouse isn’t a business entity to manage, but a partner deserving of love, respect, and understanding. They must learn to down-shift as soon as they step foot inside their homes.


A successful executive knows the importance of connecting with their spouse outside the professional sphere. Engaging in each other’s personal world, hobbies, and passions helps to cement the emotional bond. Supporting each other in personal endeavors leads to a more rewarding marriage. While the role of an executive is laden with responsibilities, it shouldn’t overshadow the equally important role of being a spouse.


Executive marriages need to draw clear boundaries between professional and personal life. While demanding jobs require significant time and effort, it’s critical to unplug from work and be fully present with their partner during personal time. This could mean defining "work-free" times during the day. This practice might be difficult initially, but it's vital for a healthy work-life balance and to stave off burnout. Additionally, making time for joyful and relaxing activities can help alleviate stress and foster better mental health.

Time and dedication makes for a better marriage
Time & Dedication

Ultimately, a thriving executive marriage is not an elusive dream, but a journey of constant growth, mutual understanding, and unshaken commitment. It’s crucial not to forget the true essence of all the hard work - our relationships and the people we hold dear. Let us not just chase success in our work but in every facet of life. The path toward a fulfilling professional and personal life may be tough, but it is undeniably worth every step.



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