New position could be a promotion but it's 50% travel. I have two young kids and we're barely holding it together with my wife's schedule already. He said I'm not committed enough. Feel like I'm stuck between providing for my family and actually being there for them. This sucks.
Don't take it. I know money is tempting and career growth matters but you can't get these years back with your kids. There will be other opportunities that don't require you being gone half the time.
This is the hardest part about being a working dad. Money vs. time with your kids. I turned down a bigger role a couple years back for exactly this reason. No regrets. Talk to your boss about what that promotion actually requires - maybe there's room to negotiate.
I turned down travel heavy positions for the same reason. Promotions look good on paper but they're not worth missing your kids' lives. Is there any way to negotiate the travel or push back on the percentage?
Been there man. Sometimes the best career move is saying no to the wrong opportunity. Your kids won't remember the promotion but they'll remember you being at their games.
What does your gut tell you? Because I'm guessing you already know the answer. Talk to your boss about what's actually flexible here - maybe it's not as set in stone as it sounds.
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I'm in a similar spot with two kids here in Denver. The promotion sounds great on paper but 50% travel? That's rough. I'd be gone half the month missing soccer games and bedtimes. Have you asked if there's any flexibility on the travel percentage or if you could ramp up gradually?