[cathyd2203]

Hi using my wifes account as im not a memeber. Would you choose time with family over money/ career. Im stuck in a situation where i have accepted a senior role after going to resign my boss offered me this role as the manger had resigned at the same time. This job means longer hours, more stress and now the person i am replacing is also staying on under me which could create problems in itself. I have been in the role a week and im not really enjoying it, mainly because i am only seeing my little one for about 10 mintues before bed at night and sometimes he is stil asleep when i leave. I dont know if this is going to make me and my family miserable in the long run. I emailed the other job that i had acepted before i resigned and its still avalaible, this job is an hour less each day, and only $5000 difference between jobs. What would you do? Stick it out or choose the job that is more family friendly.

[EoinCuinn]

Honestly? Choose the more family friendly job, sounds like you would prefer it.

I have watched my managers struggle with work life balance, and really, for not that much more money.

I am very strict with my working hours, my bosses know my stance on unpaid overtime, and they know I won't do it unless the proverbial is really hitting the fan. Thus far I have enjoyed far more time on a daily basis than they do as a result. Mind you, I have also been in the fortunate position of manipulating my work hours to be from 0630 - 1500, which has been fantastic. I have seen my other colleagues attempt the same thing, but they just end up staying there until 1700 - 1800 anyway. Maybe you could try something like that, if your workplace is flexible.

I know a lot of people out there say "well I just have to stay and do it", and "if I don't do it, no-one will"

As I once told my boss.. If you continue to do three peoples jobs, your bosses will never replace the other two.

Good luck, I hope you reach the right decisions for you and your family.

[stumped]

if you have enough money to get by, time is more worthwhile.... other thing is even when you are home your not going to enjoy it as much as your under more pressure, stressed, tired etc..... 5k aint worth the hassle..... especially after tax

[MisterKeldar]

A very tough one mate!!! One I'm going to have to face up to sooner or later (nipper due in June).


I know this was posted a month or two back, what did you end up doing?

[LambChop]

Not as a 'Dad', but as a working parent... if you don't love your job, then what's the point of sacrificing time with family ? I would move to have work life balance.

[Jenflea]

The way I see it, no one on their death bed ever says"Gee I wish I'd worked longer hours and saw my family less".
If you can afford to live on the lower wage and are happier, then do it. Having a cranky, stressed out working parent(of either sex) is crap for the kids and other partner.

[Teacherman]

I work as a teacher and requested to go part-time this year, greatest thing ever! I have been able to get a greater work-life balance, and have significantly less stress at both work and home.

It did constitute a pay cut, but after tax it is still not much of a difference.

[Goliath]

Life is short.. your kids are only young once.. As a recent beginner in the "stay at home dad" world I'm probably a bit biased on this.. but I'd say go the family option...