Life, Work, Kids… and the Myth of Balance

An honest reflection on juggling family, career, and ambition, and how building a business on the side helped me rediscover what really matters.

Between work, family, and the chaos of daily life, I thought I was managing balance until one moment made me realise I wasn’t. That realisation led to a new way of thinking about time, family, and freedom.

If you spent a day in our house, you’d quickly understand what I mean when I say life is lively. Two neurodiverse kids, two full-time jobs, and more school calls, forms, and meetings than anyone should have to handle. Most days feel like a juggling act of commutes, diaries, and the constant chorus of “Dad, Daddy, can you just…”.

And honestly, I’m proud of that. We’re two tired but determined dads doing our best, even if we’re permanently running on low battery.

But last Christmas, something made me stop. I missed one of the kids’ school performances. They were devastated, and so was I. That week had been a blur of meetings and therapy sessions, and it wasn’t until the tears came that evening that I realised what I’d lost. It wasn’t just a show. It was a memory. Not just for me, but for them.

People often talk about “mum guilt.” Newsflash: Dads get it too.

That was the moment I knew something had to change.

I didn’t want to quit my job. I love what I do and who I work with. But I did want more control and breathing space. That’s when I started my side business with Utility Warehouse.

What surprised me most wasn’t just the extra income, but the people. Through networking events and the UW community, I met others who understood the chaos. Parents, professionals, carers, people building something better for their families and themselves.

Sometimes I wonder why old friends rarely ask about it, but new connections do. Maybe they see me differently, not just as the guy in retail, but as someone creating something with purpose. That shift in perspective has been huge.

Life is still hectic, of course. We’ve got a little holiday home in France, which sounds idyllic until the routine goes out the window. But even there, I’ve started to notice moments of calm, times when we stop and think, we’ve built a good life. We just want more time to enjoy it.

That’s what this business is giving us. Every time I help someone save money, whether it’s £300 or £2,000, it reminds me why I started. It’s about giving people, and ourselves, a bit of breathing space.

My own bills have dropped, my mindset has shifted, and for the first time in years, I feel hopeful. The chaos isn’t gone, but it feels more manageable now.

The beauty of being a UW Partner is that it grows with you. You set the pace and decide what success looks like, whether it’s extra breathing room each month or a full lifestyle change built around freedom and flexibility.

For us, it’s about options. About showing up for the moments that matter, the performances, the therapy sessions, the spontaneous weekends away.

Life is still full, the to-do list is endless, and yes, the Sauvignon is still chilled. But now there’s a little more calm between the chaos.

If you’ve ever looked at your own life and thought there must be a better way, there is. You just have to take the first small step toward building it.

About the Author
James Tanner is a proud dad, husband, and UW Partner. After years of juggling full-time work, parenting two neurodiverse children, and trying to find the ever-elusive work-life balance, he’s now focused on building a life with more flexibility, freedom, and purpose, and helping others do the same.