The career AND the simple life - can it work?

This week has been a hectic one for me, and the busyness of it has left me with the feeling:  can I have a career and have simplicity at the same time?  Or do I need to choose one or the other, because they are just not compatible?  Because in my heart and in my essence I don't want to live in a crazy, hectic, mad rush all the time, but while I have two young girls and a husband to look after as well as a portfolio of customers in my full-time sales role it can be busy!

I've been reading Rhonda Hetzel's blog on living a simple life -- http://down---to---earth.blogspot.sg/ .  I also have her book and the concepts in it I love, but the part that I struggle with is that Rhonda was only able to come to living a simple life after giving up work.  I'm in my thirties, and I just don't want to stop working for a myriad of reasons, so I think the fact that I've striving for simplicity is going to have to be enough for me for now.  I really do enjoy the work that I do outside our home.  I find it fulfilling, challenging and stimulating and I think that being able to experience those elements of myself brings a better me into the family.  I can pass on my learnings, share my challenges and influence the positive mood of my household.  On the flip side, it can also bring stress, short-tempers and a regimented routine that must be adhered to, but I believe that the upside far outweighs the down.

In order to regroup, relax and get back to the natural rhythm of life, both my husband and I believe that we need to have at least one day of the weekend free from any obligations.  Today we enjoyed a day at home, cleaning up after a Christmas party we shared with a few of the families from school last night.  I really would like to teach our girls that down-time is essential, and that rushing from one activity to the next really doesn't let you enjoy the moment you're currently in.  I hope that this emphasis of togetherness, shared activities around the home and the quietness to read, create and reflect brings us closer together as a strong family unit.

I welcome you to share you views on whether you have achieved a life of simplicity while working full time, or your opinion on whether or not this possible.  If you would prefer to email than post, feel free to contact me at livewelllivesmart@gmail.com .