Mastering Balance: Family, Finances, and Finding Time for Mates

By Pratty

1. When Life Feels Like a Three-Ball Juggle

Some days it feels like I’m juggling three balls — family, work, and money — and someone keeps tossing in a fourth labelled “mateship.”

When I was younger, balance just sort of happened. I’d work enough to pay rent, play basketball on weekends, and hang out and party with mates without thinking twice about it. These days, between kids’ activities, work deadlines, and mortgage payments, that carefree balance feels like a lifetime ago.

I went through a patch where it all tipped too far one way. I was grinding hard at work, trying to keep the finances steady, but I was cooked — snappy with the kids, distracted with my partner, and too wiped to do anything that felt like me.

That’s when I realised balance doesn’t happen by accident. You have to fight for it.

2. The Myth of “Having It All Together”

We all know that bloke who looks like he’s got it sorted — steady job, nice house, still manages to play golf on Sundays. But the truth? Most of us are winging it.

There’s pressure from every angle:

• Provide for the family.

• Be present as a dad.

• Keep the relationship strong.

• Stay healthy.

• And somehow still catch up with the boys.

I used to think balance meant keeping all those plates spinning perfectly. But I’ve learned it’s more like adjusting the weights depending on what season you’re in. Some weeks, family needs more of you. Other weeks, work takes priority. The trick is not letting mateship fall completely off the table.

3. Why Time With Mates Isn’t a Luxury — It’s Maintenance

For a long time, I felt guilty for catching up with mates. I’d tell myself, “You should be home helping out,” or “You can’t afford a night out right now.”

But when I finally did make time — a coffee after school drop-off, a quick kick of the footy, even just 15min of text banter back and forth in the group chat — I came back better.

My head was clearer. My patience was stronger. I laughed again.

I realised mateship isn’t an escape — it’s maintenance. It’s how we decompress so we can show up better at home and work. You wouldn’t skip servicing your car; why skip servicing yourself?

4. Getting Practical — The Small Things That Help

Here’s what’s worked for me (and a few other blokes I know):

Schedule it like anything else. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. Block out a fortnightly catch-up — even if it’s just 45 minutes.

Mix mateship with the everyday. Call a mate while you’re walking the dog. Grab a coffee if you’re working in the area of a mate. Watch your kids’ sport together. It doesn’t always have to be “boys’ night out.”

Keep it simple. Not every catch-up needs to cost money. Go for a run, a fish, or a backyard beer. The chat’s what matters.

Combine fitness and connection. Join a casual team. That weekly basketball shoot around with the guys or kick around with a mate up at the fields gives you both a workout and a mental reset.

5. The Financial Side of Balance

Money stress is a big one. It’s easy to feel like you can’t relax or hang out when finances are tight. I’ve been there — juggling bills, trying to make smart choices, feeling like mateship was “extra.”

But here’s the thing: mateship doesn’t need to cost you. Some of the best nights I’ve had lately were around a firepit in someone’s backyard with a six-pack. No entry fee, no pressure, just good company.

And talking about finances — even briefly — with mates who get it can take the weight off. Sometimes hearing “yeah mate, I’m in the same boat” is exactly what you need.

6. What Balance Actually Looks Like

Balance isn’t a 50-50 split — it’s more like a moving target. Some weeks, you’ll nail it. Other weeks, you’ll feel like you’ve dropped every ball.

That’s okay.

What matters is checking in with yourself. Ask:

• When’s the last time I laughed with a mate?

• When’s the last time I switched off properly?

• Am I showing up at home the way I want to?

If you’re off-balance, it’s not failure — it’s a sign to adjust.

7. Your Next Chapter of Balance

At the end of the day, balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.

It’s being the kind of bloke who gives to his family, provides where he can, and still makes time to be part of something outside the grind.

Because when you take care of all three — family, finances, and mateship — you’re not just getting by. You’re living with purpose.

So if it’s been a while since you checked in with the boys, throw it in the calendar. Make the time. Find that rhythm again.

That’s real balance.

Next Chapter Mates Real talk. Real mateship. Real life.[Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Reconnecting with Mates After 30]