A couple of things before we go on and on about professionalism.

What is professionalism? Does professionalism mean that I sacrifice my life for the good of the corporation? Does it mean that I subsume myself to the larger mission, regardless of the consequences? Nope. Didn't think so.

Here are three things my dad told me that I carry with me every day. They factor in every decision I make:

1. There are only twenty-four hours in a day.

2. You can't put ten pounds of potatoes in a five-pound bag.

3. If the situation is killing you, get the hell out.

Number 1 is immutable. Number 2 is your call as it applies to your situation. Number 3 is not negotiable.