Finally said no to a work trip and the world didn't end

Dec 18·1 min read

There was a conference in Vegas that I was "supposed" to attend. My daughter's school recital was the same weekend. I told my boss I couldn't go. Waited for the world to collapse. It didn't. No one got fired. No major deal fell through. I got to watch my 7yo sing with a tiny ukulele and it was the cutest thing ever. How many opportunities have I skipped thinking my career would crater if I wasn't there? Probably way too many.

6 comments208 views

Comments(6)

HHarvey L.RegularDec 19

This is what I needed to hear. Every time there's work stuff I feel like I'm being disloyal if I don't drop everything. But realistically the work will survive one weekend without me.

NNate C.New DadDec 20

The world not ending is the best lesson. Do this like 5 more times and you'll actually internalize that your family stuff is legit and doesn't need permission.

VVic G.RegularDec 20

Vegas conference sounds like the kind where people just network and party anyway. Missing it probably didn't affect anything except maybe you looked less 'committed' in the moment. Worth it for the recital.

FFritz N.RegularDec 20

to the disloyal comment - realizing my boss actually respects me MORE now, not less. he said something like 'good call, I should've said no too.' changing how i think about this stuff

DDerek P.RegularDec 20

This needed to be said. So many dads think saying no once tanks everything forever. Usually it doesn't. Sometimes it even earns you respect for having boundaries.

SScott W.RegularDec 20

This is it. The whole 'no one's indispensable' thing is true but we never believe it until we test it. Glad you called the bluff and got to see your daughter's recital.