Navigating Your Relationship as a Dual Career Couple with Abby Davisson

Practically Married with Paula Holt

In this episode, I welcome author, entrepreneur, and coach Abby Davisson to the show to talk about the intersection between careers and relationships. Abby is a Fortune 200 leader-turned-founder of the Money and Love Institute whose mission is to help people turn daunting decisions into achievable action. She's also the co-author of Money & Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life's Biggest Decisions and the writer behind the popular newsletter, Practically Deliberate.
Abby and I discuss how couples can navigate pursuing their career aspirations while prioritizing the needs of a long-term committed partnership. More specifically, we address:

• The importance of self-reflection around values and career goals
• How to lead with curiosity when discussing careers with your partner
• Gendered expectations in straight couples
• Planning for eldercare and childcare
• Corporate trends in supporting dual career couples

Abby also explains the 5Cs framework for decision-making as explained in Money & Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life's Biggest Decisions:

1. Clarify
2. Communicate
3. Choices
4. Check In
5. Consequences

Publications and resources mentioned in this episode

• "Talk It Out" by Rebecca Beyer (Stanford Magazine article)
• Money & Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life's Biggest Decisions by Myra Strober & Abby Davisson
• Money and Love Institute
• Quiz: What's your money and love decision-making style?

Learn more about terms mentioned in this episode

• Sliding vs Deciding - Dr. Scott Stanley
• Kinwork (also known as kinkeeping)
• System 1 vs System 2 thinking from Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Resulting - Annie Duke

If you like what you heard...

• Follow Practically Married with Paula Holt on your favorite podcast platform to get every episode!
• Visit PracticallyMarried.net/Newsletter to sign up and receive even more relationship info and resources!
• Follow @getpracticallymarried on Instagram to tell us about your experiences using the strategies you hear on the show!

Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Sage Holt-Hall