My job is killing my family time and I don't know what to do

Apr 271 min read

I'm making good money but I'm traveling every week for work and my kids barely know me. My youngest asked me last week if I lived here or somewhere else. That hit different. Had a conversation with my wife about one of us needing to step back but we can't afford for me to leave this job right now. Feeling pretty trapped and resentful even though I know I'm doing this for them. Anyone else in this situation or have gotten out of it?

8 comments175 views

Comments(8)

MMarcusNew DadApr 29

Have you sat your wife down and actually done the math? Sometimes the travel and expenses eat up more than people think and there might be a job that pays almost as much without the road time.

DDaniel P.New DadApr 27

I'm in a similar boat with the commute and it eats me up. Have you talked to your boss about going remote even one or two days a week? Sometimes that's the move that changes everything.

AAlexRegularApr 27

This is the real struggle right here. The money is nice but you can't get these years back. Have you looked into whether your company would let you do remote work or cut the travel down? Some places are flexible if you ask.

KKevinRegularApr 28

How young is your youngest? That's the brutal part, watching them grow up from a hotel room somewhere. Something's gotta give here.

EEvan M.New DadApr 28

I walked away from a corporate job for similar reasons and best decision I ever made. The money wasn't making my kids happy, but being here does. Might be worth exploring what your actual priorities are.

MMarcoRegularApr 28

The 'barely know me' part hits different when you really think about it. Have you actually had a conversation with your boss about this or are you just assuming they won't be flexible?

RRob H.RegularApr 29

Money's important but not more important than your kids knowing who you are. This might be the time to look for something local even if it pays less. You won't get these years back.

MMarcusNew DadApr 29

Man I feel this in my soul. I was traveling constantly and missing everything. Finally had the conversation with my boss about cutting back travel and honestly it's been worth taking a pay cut to actually be here.