Career vs Family - anyone else feel like you're failing at both?

1w ago·1 min read

I got passed over for a promotion last month because I don't travel as much as other candidates. Started declining all the travel opportunities when my son was born. Company says I need to show more commitment. But every time I travel my wife looks at me like I'm abandoning her. I feel like I'm not advancing my career and I'm still missing time with my kid. This is brutal. Anyone else dealing with this?

4 comments179 views

Comments(4)

LLance K.Regular1w ago

I feel this in my soul man. Got passed over for a lead position last year because I don't stay late or travel. It's frustrating when your commitment to being present for your family is seen as a career limitation instead of a strength.

PPhil M.New Dad1w ago

This is a real conversation to have with your company but also with yourself about what you actually want. The promotion looks good on paper but not if it means missing your kids' childhood.

PPatrick M.New Dad1w ago

You're not failing at either - that's the trap talking. You're making a choice about what matters most and honestly that takes more strength than grinding out 70 hour weeks. Some companies just don't get it yet.

JJamesRegular1w ago

Have you talked to your manager about what success looks like for you in that role without the travel expectation? Sometimes there's more flexibility than we think but you have to ask.