Tough at top but partner welcome

As the managing director of his own company, Simon Slade knows just how easily work can affect his relationship.

Managing directors and chief executives are sixth on the list of occupations where divorces are most common.

The 27-year-old owns and manages Doubledot Media in Christchurch, where he lives with partner of four years Genevieve Draper.

Slade said running a company came with a lot of rewards, but had its downside.

"People generally forget the pressure that you have to bear. You are responsible for the staff under you and this can be very stressful at times. "Making sure the company has enough money to pay wages and that it will continue to bring in revenue to pay the bills can bring huge amounts of pressure.

"Finding that happy medium can become quite stressful if not handled correctly."

Slade said he had to be available round the clock to make sure things were getting done.

"This has a huge effect on my partner because she wants to spend quality time with me in the weekends and at nights when I may have work that needs to be done.

"She is very sympathetic and understanding and usually knows when I'm under pressure and gives me my own space so I can get work completed. We tend to be very understanding of each other and work through issues as they arise."

Slade thought those in high stress jobs were more likely to be overworked than emotionally unavailable to their families.

"I think it is more that they have so much running through their head with work issues that they sometimes forget about the smaller things and tend to show less emotion.

"I still believe they are always there for their partner though, well at least in my case."