HBR Working Dads Collection (6 Books)

18

The Case for Having Hobbies

by Scott Behson

Quick Takes

• Choose an activity that helps you hone new skills
• Spend time with family, including your kids
• Volunteer and contribute to your community
• Commit the time

As a working parent, you’re familiar with putting the needs of others before your own. You take care of your family first, and by working hard in your career, you often prioritize your clients’, managers’, and employer’s time before carving out time for yourself.

But, as cliché as it may seem, airlines have it right when they advise you to put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others. After all, we’re no good to anyone else if our energy is depleted. This is an especially difficult challenge as more of us work from home, ...