OK Dad-Talkers I need some advice!
I am going for a job interview for a new role within my present company, the new role is significantly more money but may have an adverse affect on my family life which I have really enjoyed for the past two years.
Whilst I appreciate that money isn't everything the next few years will present me with some real financial outgoings (such as kids education, laptops etc.)
My question is as follows: Is it wrong for me to want to earn more but potentially risk elements of my family life? Have you made similar decisions and did it work for you?
Look forward to your answers
Mario
I think if you can take the new job but still have enough quality time with your family then go for it mate,it is a toughy though if things will suffer when you weigh it up with the extra money which would come in handy. Good luck though whatever you decide.
I've not had the same choice to make but me and my wife decided when her maternity leave finished that I would stay at home and look after are little boy,I just earn minimum wage really and my wife is a sales rep and earns very good money,now things are getting really tight and we're actually struggling it is a very difficult time as we don't have the family around and the cost of childcare would mean i'd basically be working to pay that ,we wouldn't be any better off. To top it off my wife is worried about losing her job.. 🙁
Sorry to take over your post,I guess I just needed to get it off my chest..
It's all about balance mate.
My missus is a Student Nurse, this she currently does 6 weeks at University (with an hours travel both ways on each day she's in), then one or two weeks off before going out on placement at the hospital or in the community for 6 weeks, this continues for the year with holiday periods thrown in (she's just had 3 weeks off over Easter).
Obviously a huge chunk of that time is taken up with home studying and doing assignments, but she makes the best of what time she does have spare by focusing on family related stuff, even if its just an hour during the day to walk our dogs as a family. Your kids will grow to understand that you're trying to offer them a better quality of life, even if they don't initially due to their age or whatever, and you'll all value the time you do get together even more.
Just to let you know that I decided NOT to take the job. Having spent the past three years eating as a family and having weekends at home I didnt want to spoil it by working all hours. My kids are 13 and 10 and in 6-8 years time they will be thinking of university. My career will wait and I dont have to worry about neglecting them now.
My wife reminded me of my own childhood - my dad was never there although he supported us all financially.
There is more to life than money
Mario
Probably the right decision. I worked in London for a few years - started at 10 and finished at 6 but with travelling, it made my day about 8:45am - 7:15pm. The about 5 years ago, I was made redundant. Got a job locally but with less money, but what a difference being just 15 minutes from home makes, my day is now about 8:20 till 5:30 and I get to see my family in the evening, plus I don't have the stress of city traffic. I thought I used to enjoy the ride through London traffic (in fact, for the last 30 years, I have always driven/ridden an hour each way to work) but now I wouldn't go back unless I absolutely had no choice. I don't necessarily do anything more with my family, but just being with them is all it takes sometimes.
Mario,
I'm really impressed that you put your kids and wife before your career - well done mate. I'm sure it will prove to be the right decision - Your kids are lucky to have you as a dad.
Gooner
Not many parents would make the choice you have Mario - good man.
Well, I realise that this is a year old, but I must say, well done you.. I dont think id have to willpower not to take it, I'd be thinking, more money = more nice things for the fam, forgetting that I was the nice thing they enjoyed well done mate
Saw an update to this thread and thought I would update you all.
Having decided not to take the role I found out three months after that all of the positions were put at risk due to a restructure!!
Also I have had a great 12 months with the boys - I play badminton every week with my eldest and he will soon be thrashing me!! As for the youngest we recently went to hockey camp and spent two nights in a tent together.
It is these experiences that you cannot put a price on.
As for my career I am happy doing a new role in the business - it's a secondment but giving me some great experience and I am considering taking some further education - especially as my wife is doing her PhD and I can't have her being the brainy one!!!