Mid-career professionals, in particular, find themselves unsuccessfully trying to manage their time and energy in order to satisfy their personal needs, the “me needs,” the relational needs for engagement and intimacy inherent in the relationship they are in, the “we needs,” and their professional goals and responsibilities.

In our competitive, fast-paced culture, it is often a struggle to find that elusive balance between work and personal life. Mid-career professionals in committed relationships often find themselves living parallel lives, with little time to engage with each other more than sporadically. This can often lead to feelings of isolation and disengagement with temptations for finding emotional support outside the relationship. Below are some suggestions to help you honor the needs of your intimate relationship, while managing professional pressures and goals.

• Remember that “balance” is not likely to be a fixed condition that you can maintain as a sort of zen state. Rather, learn how to re-address and shift priorities as circumstances change.

• Focus on structuring your workday more effectively. If spending time with your significant other or on a hobby is crucial, maximize your time at work so you can get home more easily.

• Find a company that promotes a healthy working environment, emphasizing flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, and training and development. Take advantage of those initiatives.

• Use a calendar religiously. Planning tasks and engagements (including social events) for your coming week can help you visualize your time.

• Cultivate other old-fashioned office skills—such as filing things you don’t need currently and organizing—to help you get ahead.

• If you can afford it, pay someone to help you with tasks that you don’t have to be personally involved in.

• Don’t feel obligated to take on all the tasks, projects and activities that are thrown your way. Learn to say no.

• Similarly, don’t feel pressured to keep in touch with everyone at all times. Limit time spent checking e-mail, voice mail, cell phones and the Internet. Time spent with your loved one will feel more worthwhile if you’re not constantly interrupted.

• Listen to and cooperate with your significant other, and foster mutual respect for your respective time obligations.

• Turn the TV off whenever possible. Instead of tuning in, go for a walk with your loved one, read a book together about a shared interest, or just talk.

• Plan regular dates with your significant other, even if they just involve trying a new recipe, taking a walk together or renting a movie. Looking forward to those dates also can help motivate you to accomplish other tasks.