Balancing Azure, Clients, and Family Life - Reflections from a Cloud Architect
As the Head of Cloud Delivery and Operations, and a Senior Cloud Architect at 2G Cloud, my days are a whirlwind of complex technical decisions, client meetings, and constant learning. The stakes are high, and the pressure to deliver secure and scalable cloud solutions on time is ever-present. We build cutting-edge systems, with concepts such as the Cloud Adoption Framework, Azure Landing Zones, and infrastructure that seamlessly connects on-premise environments to Azure, all while managing security, scalability, and efficiency.
A part of my role as Head of Cloud Delivery and Operations includes being a part of leadership team at 2G Cloud, which adds another layer of responsibility. But beyond the world of Azure, pipelines, and strategic decision-making, I have a life that is equally important: my family. I'm not just a cloud architect and a leader, I'm a husband to Trine and a father to two wonderful kids, Marie and Mads. Balancing these two worlds is no easy feat.
Setting Boundaries Between Work and Home
In a job like mine, it's easy to let work seep into every corner of your life. There are times when deadlines are looming, clients are calling, and complex problems need solving. But as much as I love what I do, I've had to learn the hard way that there's a limit.
When you work with cloud technologies and lead a team, you're often on call mentally 24/7. Something can go wrong with an infrastructure deployment at any time, and it's tempting to keep checking emails or Teams messages even during family time. I've found that one of the hardest parts of being in IT is learning to set boundaries. I made a conscious decision to stop working once I'm home and try fully present with Marie and Mads. It's still a challenge, I'll admit that I sometimes sneak a glance at my phone, but I've learned that those emails can usually wait. My children's stories about their day can't.
Managing Stress and Tight Deadlines
The cloud landscape is evolving fast. I'm constantly on my toes with new technologies, system upgrades, and security challenges. This constant evolution is mentally taxing. I sometimes feel that as soon as I master one technology, another is right around the corner, demanding to be understood and implemented, but I really enjoy it!
As the Head of Cloud Delivery and Operations, I'm responsible for both the technical aspects and the smooth functioning of cloud delivery processes. That means navigating tight deadlines, team management, and client expectations simultaneously, which can be overwhelming. I've learned to manage the stress by focusing on what I can control. One of my key strategies is planning downtime. I try to schedule gaps between big projects, especially after a launch or migration. This allows me to decompress and focus on family life, without the work constantly hanging over my head.
It also helps to remember that no one can do it alone. Working with talented colleagues and partners makes it easier to share the load. There's no shame in asking for help or delegating tasks, especially when you're balancing work with the needs of family. I'm grateful for the support I get from my team and leadership peers.
Finding Time for Family
Trine is my rock, and Marie and Mads are my joy. But finding time for them, while keeping up with the pace of IT, requires intentional effort. After several years of trial and error, I've strive to block time for family. It sounds simple, but in practice, it can be a challenge. When you're in the middle of an Azure deployment or troubleshooting a critical issue, it's hard to simply walk away. But it's essential.
We've made a rule in our house: dinner time is sacred. Phones are off, laptops are closed, and we focus on each other. After dinner, I make sure I'm fully engaged in whatever activity the kids are doing, and helping with keeping the house. With Marie and Mads growing so quickly, I know these moments are fleeting.
Another key aspect is finding time for Trine. Amidst the busyness of work and parenting, it's easy to lose sight of your relationship with your partner. We try to make time to do us, whether, but it is tough with small kids.But these moments keep us connected and help me recharge for the next challenge.
Continuous Learning in Cloud Computing
In cloud computing, you're never truly "done." Every day there's something new, whether it's a new feature from Azure or a client's need for a cutting-edge solution. That means a significant part of my time is dedicated to learning. But where do you fit learning into an already packed schedule?
I've found that learning has to happen in smaller bursts. I'll listen to tech podcasts during my morning commute on my bike, read up on the latest updates while waiting for a client meeting to start, or experiment with new Azure features late in the evening after the kids are asleep. It's all about finding pockets of time where I can stay sharp and ahead of the curve.
Conclusion: Embracing the Imperfection of Balance
Balancing a career in cloud architecture and leadership with being a present husband and father is a constant juggling act, and it's far from perfect. There are days when work wins and days when family takes priority. But at the end of the day, it's about making a conscious effort to find balance, setting boundaries, managing stress, and carving out time for the people who matter most.
I'll never have it all figured out, but by keeping my priorities in check, I'm navigating the challenges of work and family life one Azure deployment, one family dinner, and one learning session at a time.
