Got offered a promotion that would mean traveling twice a month and longer hours. Pay bump is solid but my youngest is only 6. I keep thinking about all the practices and family dinners I'd miss. My wife said it's my decision but I can tell she's hoping I don't take it. Why does it feel like you have to choose between being a good provider and a good dad? This shouldn't be this hard.
Man, that's a tough one. Two trips a month is heavy when they're that little. I had to turn down something similar a few years back and honestly, I don't regret it. Your 6yo won't remember the title, but they'll remember if you're there.
I get the appeal of the bump, but twice a month is rough on a 6yo. They're only this age once. Maybe see if there's a way to negotiate the travel or find a different path up that doesn't cost you so much time.
I wrestled with this too. What made the difference for me was asking my wife what she thought. She had a lot to say about whether I'd be present enough. Worth the conversation.
Real talk, I took a promotion years back that had similar travel. The extra money didn't make up for missing stuff. You can't get that time back with your kid. Just my two cents.
The money's great but the years go fast. What's the point of advancement if you're missing it? That's just my perspective though.
Twice a month travel when you've got kids is a lot. Have you talked to the people offering the promotion about whether there's flexibility? Some companies will negotiate on that stuff.
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That promotion will still be there or another one will come. Your kid's childhood won't. I coached little league for years and the time I spent there mattered way more than any job title ever will.