Trading freedom for purpose

Used to travel a ton for work, stayed out late, had no real roots anywhere. Felt important I guess. Then I met someone, we had a kid, and I realized I was missing everything. Asked for a remote position, moved closer to family, started saying no to things. Lost some friendships because I wasn't the guy they could always count on to party anymore. But I gained a real home and actual relationships with my kids. The trade off is real. Some days I wonder what my career could've been if I stayed in that grind, but then I come home and my kids run to the door and I know I made the right call.