tosscrosby (6/6/2008)
My oldest IS going to college this fall. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. When she was born, I decided that I had to have a balance between work and spending time with my family, and I did as much as possible. Sometimes my boss wasn't happy (he's childless..) but he rarely prevented my time off or criticized my reasons for not working 80 hours a week. When I needed to be there, he knew I would be there. Management needs to understand the importance of balance as burnout can be right around the corner. Cranky people make lousy employees. Whether it's time with family or simply a little alone time, if we don't make the time, what good is all the money we are earning? Stress, heart attacks, whatever? What have we truly gained, material things? Give me a day to myself and my family anytime, it keeps me sane, well most of the time anyway! (teenagers, you've got to love them!). As Steve said "Stop, Smell, Smile" - to that I'd add "and Live".
Very well said. My brother can relate to your situation with your boss. His boss doesn't have any children and her philosophy is work is your family. I hope I never have to work for someone like that. Even though I don't have any kids (unless you count pets), I still treasure the time I spend away from work with my wife and other family. In April, my wife and I were able to go to Colorado for my grandmother's 100th birthday. We had a great time, as did she. About a month later, she passed away, so we were glad to see her when we did.
My family is the most important thing to me and I will do anything to keep that my main reason for living (even if it means moving, changing professions, etc.). When I was in the US Air Force, one of their core values was "Service Before Self." Fortunately, everyone I worked for realized the job is important, but if you aren't happy due to working too much or neglecting your personal life, overall the work will suffer.
Ian.
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
-- Winston Churchill