Got offered a promotion that comes with more travel and responsibility. More money would be nice and it's good for my career but it means less time with the kids during the week. My wife is supportive but I can tell she's worried about it. I'm 38 and I keep thinking about what matters more in 20 years. Talking to a mentor about it but would love to hear from other guys who've faced this choice.
I had a similar offer last year. Turned it down. More money is nice but you can't get those years back with your kid. Maybe there's room to negotiate on the travel portion? Some companies are flexible on that.
Real talk: the promotion might still be there in a couple years when your kid is older and more independent. Don't let that push you into a decision you'll regret. Money comes and goes but childhood doesn't.
How old is your kid? That matters. Mine are older now so I can handle the travel better, but when they were young I would have said no to that promotion without blinking.
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Can you ask about a modified version of the role? Like maybe you take it but negotiate working from home one or two days a week? A lot of companies are open to that conversation now.