I don't balance it. I prioritized my kids. I stagnated while they were young, and just worked my jobs, collecting my checks, taking care of my family. When they got older, I did catch up on skills and got some salary boosts in my career.

Are there people more successful and more skilled than I? Absolutely. But I don't regret the stagnation, nor the time spent with family, and we're doing just fine at the older end of the story.