The inability to perform a major task or advance in one's career because of being encumbered by other duties or family obligations.

他一心想要在事业上有所成就，奈何家事缠身，总有种戴盆望天的无奈感。

Viewing the sky while wearing a basin on one's head, making it impossible to see the heavens.

所谓“戴盆望天”，意思就是头上顶着盆子去望天，当然什么也看不见。