The Weight of Money

Many times in life we make choices based on values, preferences, likes and dislikes. Sometimes they are very minor, but other times they take lots of thought and consideration. Sometimes we look back on those decisions and realize that our choice was not the best. Sometimes we make various compromises in values and choices and select an option we think is the best. Sometimes, once our choice has been made, we realize that our compromise is unsuccessful.
A month ago, I mentioned some upcoming changes that I was going to post about. While I was hoping to put it off longer, I figured now – as I enjoy the evening next to the holiday tree – is as good a time as ever. I’m leaving my wonderful job because the compromises I made have not worked for my family.

When searching for a job earlier this year, I had a few criteria in mind. I wanted a position that would make use of my degree and that would fit with my social consciousness. I needed a position that would be financially and professionally beneficial in the long run. The position I found in the nation’s capitol offered all of the professional, social (values), and financial options I desired. However, it required a commute of at least ninety minutes each way and often more.

I knew that it would be challenge for my family to adjust to this schedule and that the daughter would be facing a situation unfamiliar to her – one where I was gone for an extended part of the day, every day. Despite our best efforts (and there were many attempted solutions), this situation has not worked for my family.

It is clear that the daughter needs someone home more and that I need to be more available at home. Due to the stressful challenges from the daughter, the commute and the very strenuous workload, I had to reevaluate the compromise I made.

I love my job and find the work extremely fulfilling (and tiring) but I will not compromise family security and contentment for professional aspirations. It disappoints me that giving up the position is the only action I can take, but I am glad to make that choice in order to take care of my top priority and the thing I value the most in life – my family.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 25th, 2006 at 9:32 pm and is filed under family, general. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.