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Karin Price Mueller knows about work-life balance. CNBC promoted Mueller to an executive producer position in New York around the time her husband accepted a reporter position in Boston. Two years into their marriage, the couple found themselves living 200 miles apart. Planning a separation of only six months, the couple decided it was worthwhile so Mueller could at least get the experience on her resume. Two years into that arrangement, they had an awakening.“I kept getting promotions and then a new job with CNN-fn. Finally, we asked ourselves, ‘Why are we still doing this?’” Mueller said. “Our marriage was solid, but it was silly to live 200 miles apart.”The prospect of moving to Boston meant a serious pay cut, so Mueller decided to try her hand at freelance writing. While such a career move was much less commonplace a decade ago, it proved to be a wise decision as the couple soon discovered they were expecting the first of their three children. The Muellers’ story is an example of the classic struggle to create a balance between office and home, career aspirations and family plans, making a living and making a life. While this challenge has historically plagued mothers in the workforce, a significant number of fathers have stepped up to the plate in recent years as well. Work-from-home dads are becoming more common, and for good reason, according to longtime freelance writer and editor Gary Drevitch.“When I worked outside of the home, I was always someone who worked late,” said Drevitch, a married father of three who has performed contract work for such clients as Disney, McGraw-Hill and Harper-Collins. “Now, it’s a good mix. It’s nice to be here when the kids come home. It can occasionally be challenging when there’s a major deadline … but I think what I gain is greater than what I give up.”When pursuing a new job, it may be unclear upfront whether the position would fit with your desired work-life balance. Randall Craig, author of Personal Balance Sheet: A Practical Career Planning Guide, recommends that applicants take a series of actions to determine this. 1. Pre-networking:
One of the most critical aspects of the job search, pre-networking will not only tell you how to get your foot in the door, but whether you want it there in the first place. By talking to professionals in your chosen field, you can get a feel for where the best companies are. Inquire about overtime, maternity leave, vacation, promotion policies, anything that’s important to you. Of course, don’t make it an inquisition and never ask such detailed questions of management personnel, lest you be perceived as only looking out for your own best interests. Keep your tone friendly and ask if the person would mind enlightening you on the working conditions at their company. You can do this type of research face-to-face or over the Internet via industry-specific discussion groups and message boards. Talk to would-be colleagues: In the actual interview, request to speak with a staffer or two. As a fairly forward request, this should be reserved for the second interview if possible. And obviously, within the four office walls is hardly the place to get into the finer details of company working conditions. If nothing else, these brief introductions will establish contact and give you a snapshot of company culture. If you are truly interested in the job, you might trade business cards with one of your would-be colleagues to follow up later and gain insight into the organization. You might even want to treat them to lunch or drinks as a sign of appreciation. Above all else, be patient. Wait for the time to tactfully discuss your burning questions. Keep in mind that most of the second interview and all of the first should be dedicated to identifying the company’s need and selling them on why you fill that need. The more skills and experience under your belt, the greater your bargaining power.“Maybe in the second or third interview, the dynamic will change from them focusing on you and whether you are the perfect candidate to them almost trying to sell themselves to you,” Craig said. “Once they determine you are the perfect candidate and they want you very badly, then you can go out on a limb a little bit.    Sometimes the greatest challenge is establishing priorities in the first place, and then working to establish an individual identity separate from your career. But after thinking through these two questions, take charge of your work-life balance. Make a life first, and chances are good you will be happier and even more productive as you make a living. 

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