My daughter had her school play yesterday and I had to skip it for a client meeting. My wife recorded it but watching a video just isn't the same. She wasn't mad but I could tell she was disappointed I wasn't there. How do you guys handle this? I feel like I'm always choosing between being a good dad and a good employee and something has to give.
Man, I've been there. The guilt is real, but your daughter will remember that you're working hard for the family. At least you've got the video to watch together. That's something special too.
I miss stuff all the time for work meetings and honestly it sucks. But I try to remind myself that my kids see me working hard and that matters. Maybe grab some one-on-one time with your daughter soon to make it up?
Totally get it, man. I had to skip a game for a client thing last month and felt awful. The key is making the moments you ARE there really count. Can you take her out and celebrate her performance this weekend?
This is exactly why I made the switch to remote work a couple years back. Not saying you should quit or anything, but if there's any flexibility in your company structure it might be worth exploring. Missing stuff stinks.
The guilt is real but here's the thing - you recorded it and you're thinking about it. That means you care. I've been there with the work vs family balance. Sometimes you have to take the L on one event to keep things stable for your family long term.
I get it, but did your daughter understand you had to work? Kids are more resilient than we think. What matters is showing up for the ones you can make. That's all any of us can do.
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Man, I felt this in my soul. I missed my son's soccer tournament last month for a client emergency and I'm still not over it. The video helps but it's not the same. You're doing what you can to provide for them though, that counts for something.