You finally did it. After years of hard work, you have reached the pinnacle of success at work and finally have the big paycheck and all the perks that come with it. Sure, you have more responsibility and more pressure, but that's part of it. So why is your relationship collapsing?
1. There is an imbalance of power.
When one partner is more successful than the other, it will put a strain on the relationship. The successful partner has more money, more recognition, more influence and more satisfaction. The financial burden can mainly come down to the successful partner, so the other partner doesn't feel like he or she is contributing much in that regard. Although you make an effort to treat him as an equal, he will often feel left out. You talk about your work, your colleagues and 'the business', while he gets the feeling that he has to compete with you. His lack of self-esteem for what he contributes can be fatal to the relationship.
2. Ego gets in the way.
At work you are the boss and you know it. Things revolve around your expertise and everyone is looking to you for direction. You are in charge and your colleagues are behind you. Unfortunately, while relationships are about compromise, you're used to getting your way, hands down. He may feel more like your personal assistant than an equal partner, and it may take its toll. If you don't get off your high horse, there's little hope that your relationship will make it in the long run.
3. You don't have time.
You work long hours and feel that you need a weekend away every now and then. When you're not at work, you're always reachable by cell phone, and it seems that time with your partner is constantly interrupted by things you think can't wait. You know that people in the office depend on your input and you feel the pressure to be there when needed. You're an indispensable piece of the puzzle at work, but your relationship is slipping further and further down your priority list. No wonder your partner is tired of it.
4. Shifting your priorities. You loved looking forward to the weekend when you and your partner would spend time with friends, enjoy a night out or watch a movie together. However, along with your newfound success, a list of new priorities has emerged. Eating with potential customers, having a drink with colleagues after work suddenly seem much more important than those old friends and recreational activities. Your focus is on your continued progress, and maintaining a stable relationship seems like too much effort and time that you don't have. Your relationship with your partner is in serious trouble.
5. Changing your options.
No one paid much attention to you when you climbed the ladder of success, but now that you're a CEO, members of the opposite sex find you irresistibly interesting and attractive. You find yourself with more in common with co-workers than with your partner, who seems less desirable than younger or more business-minded connections who openly admire your expertise and continued success. You're in la-la-land and completely taken with your new options, so you're not sure if your relationship is worth saving.
