Love, Life and Labour: Tips for Setting Career Goals After Marriage

Marriage marks the beginning of a shared journey filled with love, adjustments, and a fair bit of life planning. In Singapore, where the cost of living, housing loans, and career ambitions can altogether feel intense, couples need more than just chemistry. They need communication, compromise, and clarity.

That includes figuring out how to grow your careers side by side. With insights from renowned experts, career and leadership coach Kathy Caprino and branding consultant Stephen Dupont, here are practical and heartfelt tips to help couples plan their careers and lives — together.

1. Talk about your career aspirations — early and often

In Singapore’s fast-paced job market, career moves can happen quickly — a mid-career switch, a posting abroad, or even launching a side hustle. That’s why open, regular conversations are key.

Dupont advised: “Schedule at least one hour per month to meet with your spouse and talk about your careers (and just your careers). Make a commitment to this goal and stick to it.”

Try this:

• Set aside monthly career check-ins — no kids, no distractions.
• Discuss short- and long-term goals (e.g., promotions, further studies, starting a business).
• Use tools like CareersFinder on MyCareersFuture to explore skills-based job matches, which are especially useful if either of you is considering a pivot.

2. Define what career success looks like — as a couple

Career planning after marriage isn’t just about individual progression — it’s about aligning on what success means for both of you. For one, it could be leading a team; for the other, it might be flexible hours to care for ageing parents or young children.

Dupont asked, “What do you define as success? Is it upgrading your lifestyle or being home every night to have dinner together?”

To align, try this:

• Write out your ideal work life in 5–10 years, and include your roles, hours, and aspirations.
• Read your visions aloud and discuss where they align or differ.
• Talk trade-offs: Can both of you pursue demanding roles at once? Will one need to dial back?
• Revisit the conversation as your priorities evolve.

Being on the same page helps reduce tension and allows for better decisions around job changes, relocation, or further education.

Attend walk-in interviews, virtual career fairs, workshops and more! Explore Career GRIT and find events and other resources best suited to your career journey. Check it out now.

3. Make money a team sport

Careers and finances go hand in hand — especially in Singapore, where couples often juggle housing loans, support for elderly parents, and children’s education.

Start here:

• Budget together: From utilities to kopi runs — track it all.
• Set shared goals: Renovation fund? Holiday? Baby expenses?
• Plan around CPF: Understand how contributions support housing and retirement.
• Use financial tools like MyMoneySense or follow financial guides to stay on track.

4. Respect each other’s career values and boundaries

Not everyone views work the same way. One may be driven by title and salary, while the other values work-life balance. These differences can lead to tension if not addressed.

Dupont shared: “Many couples think they know what their loved one’s values are, but it’s often not until you experience a situation that you truly understand where your spouse really stands.”

Build understanding by asking:

• What are your dealbreakers (e.g. no work after 9 pm)?
• How do you define success — by purpose, pay, or personal time?
• What are you willing (or not willing) to compromise on?

5. Support — don’t subdue

In a dual-income marriage, there will be seasons when one partner needs more support. Support makes all the difference, whether it’s a career switch, retrenchment, or parental leave.

Caprino asked: “Are each of you able to fully support your partner in doing what they long to do in this life?”

Support can include:

• Picking up more at home during a demanding work stretch.
• Encouraging one another to upskill, such as signing up for the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme course.
• Suggest signing up for a career coaching programme together, such as WSG’s Polaris, for added clarity and confidence.

 

Love what you are doing and want to make your career greater? Polaris empowers you to achieve sustainable career growth through personalised career guidance. Sign up today!

6. Prepare for life’s detours

Career paths rarely follow a straight line. Retrenchment, burnout, or shifting goals may lead one or both of you to change direction — and that’s okay.

Caprino noted: “The career goals we start off with early in life often end up being the wrong ones, or need significant revision in later years.”

Stay adaptable by:

• Building an emergency fund (this is estimated to be 6-12 months of expenses).
• Talking through “what-ifs”: What if one of you needs a sabbatical or part-time role?
• Exploring resources like WSG’s CareersCompass by MyCareersFuture and Career GRIT.

Career planning after marriage: A partnership, not a power struggle

Your careers may not look the same or move at the same pace — and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is walking the path together with empathy, trust, and intention.

Caprino reminded readers: “You’re not choosing between each other’s dreams. You’re co-designing a life where both can thrive.”

Whether navigating a mortgage, raising children, or pursuing a late-blooming career dream, you’re not alone. Many Singaporean couples are doing the same, one honest conversation — and one intentional step — at a time.