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"DAD! I'm hungry." "DAD! Can you tie my shoes?" "HONEY! The baby needs a diaper change." How do you balance all the distractions with raising children and still be able to deliver at your job? As Ruby developers, it's something that many of us can relate to but few really talk openly about. I work full-time at Engine Yard, create videos for Code TV, and also maintain RailsInstaller. All of that needs to balance nicely with my family and this talk will explore some of the problems I've faced and how I address them.
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In the talk titled *Juggling Children... and Rubies*, Evan Machnic shares his personal experiences on balancing the demanding roles of parenthood and a career as a Ruby developer. As a full-time employee at Engine Yard, video creator for Code TV, and maintainer of RailsInstaller, Evan highlights the challenges of managing professional responsibilities alongside family life. He presents several key points to help navigate this balance: - **You Cannot Do Everything**: Evan emphasizes the importance of recognizing limitations, especially when juggling familial responsibilities and a job. - **Daily Routine**: He provides insight into his daily life, which starts with getting his children ready for school before working a 9-to-5 job. - **Shift in Priorities**: After losing a job post-college, he transitioned into freelancing and faced difficulties with work-life balance, ultimately leading him to find a structured role at Engine Yard. - **Family Coordination**: Effective communication and shared calendars with his spouse were crucial for managing schedules and obligations. - **Incorporating Family Time**: Scheduling quality family time without distractions is vital for maintaining relationships. - **Self-Care**: He acknowledges the significance of exercise, rest, and personal time to recharge and enhance productivity. - **Consistency in Work Hours**: Establishing dedicated work hours helps achieve flow and focus during the workday. - **Small Changes Matter**: Adopting small adjustments, such as going to bed earlier, can significantly improve one’s daily life. - **Key Quote**: Evan closes the session with a quote from David Allen: "You can do anything, but not everything," reinforcing the importance of prioritizing effectively. This talk serves as both a personal narrative and practical guide for others in similar situations, advocating for prioritization, effective communication, and self-care as essential strategies for balancing professional goals and family obligations.
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