How do you work so many hours but still make it home before dinner time to be with the family.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by William on July 7, 2008 at 11:48am

For a while...I didn't make it work. I neglected my family for too long. The only solution was that I had to cut back on my business (which was a 2nd job), and I'm glad I did.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bravo on July 7, 2008 at 10:55pm

I made a new years resolution to not work as much OT especially since it just takes time away from my family and doesn't get me any where. lol I have worked about 1/4 of the OT that I did last year. Hopefully over the next year I will be able to cut the OT out with the exception of being on call 1/2 the year. That will be perfect.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chris Maples on July 10, 2008 at 2:42pm

I just try to make a point of saying, "OK, it's not as important as my family, and it will still be here tomorrow." Then leave before I talk myself out of it.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by DiaperDaddy on July 15, 2008 at 10:28am

I made a personal commitment to myself that I want to be home in the evening to share in all of the experiences of being with my children. I already feel left out of alot and when I hear on the phone during the day something new that my child has learned to do it pains me. I dont want that to happen anymore than it has too. I go into work early when my children are still asleep to get things done so in the evening I can be home with them. It also helps that I have a corporate office that is understaning of family values.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffers on July 15, 2008 at 10:41am

You know the biggest shock to me after having my first kid is the amount of time that Professional parents actually have to spend with their child. I only wish that I and my wife could be full time caregivers. I know for me I usually get, 1-1.5 in the morning while getting them up, then pick them up about 6-9 (at the latest). Just think, WHO is your child spending the majority of their life around. So missing the 5 hours at most during 5 out of 7 days of the week HAS to be rough on any parent, but the problem is that today's society doesn't revolve around family, it revolves around MATERIAL wealth, a wealth that makes you work more, to spend more.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by William on July 15, 2008 at 10:53am

The amount of time young children spend awake is split about 50/50 with the parents and caregivers (daycare, etc). Obviously the more you work, the lower your share of time with your kids.

I get virtually no time in the morning as they are asleep when I leave. I'll get about 4 hours with them after work, plus the weekends, but not all of that is "quality time". I just told my 5 yr old that I'm going to start reading to her every night. Her face lit up like a christmas tree! It was bittersweet.

Today's society is all about instant gratification which goes hand-in-hand with material wealth.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Eric Enochs on July 15, 2008 at 10:59am

Awesome William. I'm glad you were able to make this happen.

William (aka Kenny) said:

The amount of time young children spend awake is split about 50/50 with the parents and caregivers (daycare, etc). Obviously the more you work, the lower your share of time with your kids.

I get virtually no time in the morning as they are asleep when I leave. I'll get about 4 hours with them after work, plus the weekends, but not all of that is "quality time". I just told my 5 yr old that I'm going to start reading to her every night. Her face lit up like a christmas tree! It was bittersweet.

Today's society is all about instant gratification which goes hand-in-hand with material wealth.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Aaron A. Gold on January 6, 2009 at 12:31pm

I work ALOT during the week, but really try to set asside the weekend for my family. I also try to always be the one that gets to put my son to bed. I have to admit that the hardest thing about being a dad is figuring out the balance between work and family.

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This