Got offered a director role that would mean 50+ hour weeks and travel. A year ago I would have jumped on it. But my kids are 6 and 8 now and I actually want to be around for this part. Taking the lateral move instead. Anyone else made this call and regret it or feel like you made the right choice?
This is the move right here. I see so many dads grinding for the next promotion and missing everything. Your kids won't remember the title but they'll remember if you were there.
Respect. That's a hard call to turn down. Director role sounds like exactly what I would have jumped at before the kids were born. But those years when they're young, you don't get them back. The promotion will still be there later.
Smart move. I'm at a point where I've realized these early years are short and you can't get them back. There will be other promotions. Your kids will only be this age once. Sounds like you figured that out before taking a promotion you'd regret.
Did your employer get weird about you turning it down? That's what held me back from saying no. But honestly, the culture shift in your company starts with people like you making different choices.
That's a huge decision and honestly respect the hell out of you for turning it down. Director role sounds great on paper but those 50+ hour weeks? You miss everything with your kids. I coach both mine and I wouldn't give that up for any title.
Sign in to join the conversation.
I did something similar two years ago. Turned down a bigger position because it meant being gone during swing shifts when I could actually be home. No regrets. The money's nice but these years with them matter more.
Took me a while to get here too. Used to think stepping back meant failure but it's actually the opposite. You're choosing what matters most.