Got offered a senior position but it's 50-60 hour weeks during a growth period at the company. My oldest is starting soccer this fall and my youngest will be in kindergarten. The money would be nice but I already feel like I'm missing everything. Why is this so hard? Anyone take a position like this and regret it? Or take it and made it work?
I took a senior role three years ago thinking I'd make it work. Spoiler alert - I didn't. Those years went fast and I missed stuff I can't get back. Your kids won't remember the title. They remember if you're at their games and their dinners. That's the real job.
The money is nice but man, time with your family is something you can't earn back. I've been trying to find that balance for a while now. This one's personal so there's no real right answer - just what matters most to you.
You could always ask about flexibility during soccer season - maybe negotiate the 50-60 hours with some boundaries in the fall. Companies need senior people but good ones understand family stuff too.
Man, I get it. Twins here and I missed so much their first year chasing promotions. That senior role will still be there in a few years, but your oldest's first soccer season only happens once. The growth period at the company will pass either way.
Real question - will this promotion still be there in two years? If it will, then wait. If it won't, at least you know the cost going in. I turned down a big opportunity when my oldest was in middle school. Best decision I ever made. No regrets.
Sign in to join the conversation.
50-60 hours is a grind with kids. That's basically seeing them on weekends only. Can you negotiate? Maybe a later start date, maybe work from home days? A lot of companies will negotiate if you're good. Worth asking before you decide it's all or nothing.