"I work full-time, our three children all have high needs, and I'm writing my PhD so, yes, effective time management is really important," Sally says.
"I remember reading an autobiography once, which advised that it was good to move jobs into a higher position every two years. I adopted that philosophy in the early stages of my professional career, so I moved around a lot."
The philosophy took Sally from nursing into midwifery, renal and kidney transplant wards, remote postings in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and led her to specialise in Indigenous chronic care.
At first, the career moves were relatively easy, as the then-single Sally sought new opportunities for professional advancement and satisfaction. "Changing jobs frequently taught me flexibility. Working in city and remote settings taught me that that there are many ways of doing things. I developed the ability to work in different cultures, teams and environments, and by the time I was 29 I had done my Masters (in Nursing) and held a fairly senior position. Even after I had my first two children, I went straight back to work after the maternity leave ended."
But things changed when child number three came along. "My priorities shifted," Sally says. "My life became more about achieving a better family-work balance, while still enjoying a fulfilling career."
While stressing she could never have achieved this double-act without a "very supportive husband", Sally says she's also made some very deliberate decisions.
"I've always had the mantra that I do my work at work and the evenings and weekends are for me and the family," she says. "I've structured my working life to meet my family's needs."
That means working late twice a week, so as to be able to take her children to school each morning - and still get the paid job done. "And I'm quite good at not taking work home," Sally says. Waiting in doctors' surgeries, at kids' sport and airports are valuable reading opportunities not to be wasted.
Nor has this hectic schedule been at the expense of her person health and well-being. "Women, especially, can find it hard to accommodate their personal needs in the demanding work-family mix," Sally says. "It's important to carve out time for the things we need as individuals.
"For me, that means swimming three times a week for an hour before the kids get out of bed, which keeps me mentally sane and physically healthy. I'm also in a community group that meets for dinner once a month, and serve on a few local committees."
A schedule on the Bristow fridge charts every family member's daily activities and whereabouts "so no-one ever forgets" and the kids are allowed only two extra-curricular activities. "I think everyone accepts the routine if it's written down, and no-one is allowed to do any sport or activities on Sundays," Sally says. "We have to make it routine because as soon as the routine breaks, it's hard to get back into it."
Although her PhD study has necessitated a hiatus of sorts, Sally says it has taught her valuable lessons. "Sometimes your career skyrockets and you have to hold on and be brave; other times you have to be flexible and patient. That's fine, so long as you make good use of the time to build your expertise and keep moving forward, so you can take the opportunities when they come along. I am continuing to invest in my professional development and following my passion, and I have my eyes firmly on the end goal."
Sally's approach will not suit everyone, and that's precisely the point. "Every individual and family has different needs and ambitions," she says. "Managing time is a constant work in progress for every family. Our strategy works for us and that's all that counts."
