“Özcan and Anna: Balancing Productivity and Parenting While Maintaining a Busy Schedule”

Not only Özcan, but also his wife Anna is very busy writing books. When they are not behind their laptops, they make time for their children. “That’s a matter of making good arrangements. I’m often out in the evenings, so if Anna needs the mornings or afternoons to write, I’m with the kids.”

Apparently Özcan is often asked how he and his wife combine family life with a busy job. “I find it fascinating to see how people react to us: how can you both be so productive? It’s about giving each other things and planning well,” he tells Dragonfly.

Özcan does not leave home for pleasure. “We never go to a cafe. (…) We don’t waste time.” Life consists only of time for family or time for work. “We try to be with the children at this stage of our lives, so with each other, or work.” And birthday parties? Not a hair on Özcan’s head thinking about that. “Anna is still socially active with birthdays and such, I don’t do that at all.” So how does Özcan ensure relaxation? You don’t expect it: “By working. Relaxation through effort. Working gives me energy.”