Career advancement vs being present - how do you choose

1w ago1 min read

Got offered a promotion at work that would be amazing for my career. More money, better title, exactly what I've been working toward for 5 years. Catch is it's a lot more hours and traveling 20% of the time. My kids are 7 and 4. Boss wants an answer by Friday. Part of me knows this is the move that sets me up for life. Other part of me thinks about missing soccer games and bedtime stories. My wife says it's my call but I know she doesn't really want me gone. Anyone been through this? What did you choose and how do you feel about it now?

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Comments(3)

BBrett M.New Dad1w ago

Ask yourself this one simple question: will you regret missing this moment with your kids more than you'd regret not taking the promotion? For me that's always the tiebreaker. Career opportunities come around again but your kids don't get a do-over on being 8.

RRick M.Regular1w ago

This is the eternal struggle man. I took a promotion two years ago thinking the extra money would make everything better and easier. Spoiler alert it didn't. Now I'm stuck in meetings when my kids need me and the money doesn't feel worth it. Would you be working significantly more hours or just have more responsibility?

NNolan D.Regular1w ago

I'd push back on the company and ask if you can do it remotely or with flexible hours. Sometimes they're more willing to work with you on that stuff than you'd think. The title and money are great but burnout is real when you're trying to be everywhere at once.