Career vs Family: Game Lounge Proves You Don’t Have to Choose

Most working parents today face a common problem: they’re expected to work as if they don’t have children and parent as if they don’t have a job.

And while this seemingly impossible dilemma applies no matter the industry, it can be especially challenging if the parent holds a high-powered role in iGaming.

Between inflexible and demanding work schedules, and the commitments and curveballs that come with parenting. From an unexpected stomach bug to the school run, working parents often feel forced to choose between family life and professional ambitions. As surely, it’s not possible to have both?

Game Lounge doesn’t see it that way. Flexibility, trust, and inclusivity are baked into the company’s culture, so no one has to make that choice.

CTO Keith Cassar is a testament to just how much Game Lounge supports its team members in achieving both career success and presence with their family. As a leader in iGaming, his background includes managing data systems for 300 million daily active users at King, the powerhouse behind Candy Crush. Keith understands the pressures of a high-stakes role, but also places immense value on being a present and engaged father.

“When my son was younger and in childcare, I could plan my day around his needs without it affecting my work,” he explains. “That made a huge difference, not just for him, but for me. I wasn’t constantly worrying about whether I was doing enough at home or work.”

Game Lounge’s hybrid, remote-friendly environment lets employees shape their schedules, helping everyone to strike the balance that best works for them. “We’re not clock-watchers here,” shares Keith. “As long as the work gets done, we trust people to manage their own time. That benefits everyone, not only parents.”

Built around the premise that happy, well-supported employees perform better, not to mention contribute more effectively to the business. Game Lounge’s EVP offers a workplace where professional development and personal commitments aren’t in conflict. This philosophy even extends to initiatives such as the 4-Day Work Week (4DWW), which affords Game Loungers extra time over the summer months to recharge, focus on personal projects, or simply be with their families. 

“The old way of working with long hours and rigid structures just doesn’t fit modern life,” says Keith. “People do their best work when they’re not constantly stressed about juggling commitments.”

Meanwhile, Game Lounge funds and encourages participation in coaching programmes such as Siffi, which provide personal development opportunities that benefit both work and family life. Open communication is also key, in which leaders and managers are transparent about navigating their work-life balance; to showcase that being a parent is no barrier to career advancement.

“I’ve always stood by the philosophy of ‘family first’, and this is shared by my peers in C-level leadership,” he confirms. “No one can do their best work while worrying about their child. Parental involvement is normalised. There’s no stigma or shame about prioritising family when needed, and managers and leaders know they can reach out without fear of judgement. Leaders here understand the unpredictable nature of family life and that unexpected situations can’t always wait.”

While many workplaces still assume that flexible working is mainly for mums, Game Lounge takes a different approach. One where work-life balance also means challenging outdated gender norms.

“Flexibility at work isn’t just about me attending to my son,” says Keith. “It’s about making sure my partner has the space to grow her career, too. We share responsibilities at home, and Game Lounge’s support for us both makes that possible.”

Game Lounge’s ethos also ensures that both men and women can take on senior roles without sacrificing family life. “I’ve heard senior colleagues share their regrets at not being there when their kids were young,” he goes on. “That sticks with you. I don’t want to look back and wish I’d been more present, and I know many people here feel the same.”

For iGaming professionals like Keith, Game Lounge’s family-friendly culture allows him to grow his career while also being the active, present parent he wants to be.

“It’s not just about making life easier for parents, but about making Game Lounge a better place to work,” he adds. “When people feel supported, they’re more engaged, less burnt out, and more able to do their best work. That’s good for everyone.”

Game Lounge knows that a successful career in iGaming and an active family life don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Find out more at www.gamelounge.com/work-with-us