A very close person shared to me about her friend's dilemma. She was in her mid year as a resident doctor and she wanted to stop temporarily for her family, especially for her child. Her colleagues were telling her to continue since it won't be long before they finished their residency. But due to her busy schedule, she isn't able to give enough attention to her kids and is beginning to have problems in school. Now, she is torn between prioritizing her family over her profession and being a failure in the eyes of her colleagues.
If you're in such situation, the choice might be difficult to see. But people outside the box can think more clearly. Simple words of advice and insight was uttered, "it won't be a failure, if you choose family over anything else" and for as long as someone in the family is capable enough to still provide for their needs then things wont be as bad as it would seem.
I remembered an office mate shared to me something he read from a book, it goes: we work so hard for our family, for our children, that we oftentimes couldn't see that we almost don't or can't spend even a quality hour with them anymore. By the time you retired from work and already paid off all bills and obligations (assuming you worked in a well-off company with a very generous retirement package) and ready to spend your remaining moments with them, you realize, they are already used to not having you around anymore.
We have just a lifetime to live in this world. Whether we like it or not, we can't finish all endeavors and all the things we wanted to do in life. We might differ on how we look at success, but for me, if I created wonderful memories with the people I treasure most... that I can just provide enough for my family... that my wife and children can proudly say how wonderful a husband and father I am to them... that I can say someday that I lived a full and meaningful life... that would be success for me. Yahweh bless.
If you're in such situation, the choice might be difficult to see. But people outside the box can think more clearly. Simple words of advice and insight was uttered, "it won't be a failure, if you choose family over anything else" and for as long as someone in the family is capable enough to still provide for their needs then things wont be as bad as it would seem.
I remembered an office mate shared to me something he read from a book, it goes: we work so hard for our family, for our children, that we oftentimes couldn't see that we almost don't or can't spend even a quality hour with them anymore. By the time you retired from work and already paid off all bills and obligations (assuming you worked in a well-off company with a very generous retirement package) and ready to spend your remaining moments with them, you realize, they are already used to not having you around anymore.
We have just a lifetime to live in this world. Whether we like it or not, we can't finish all endeavors and all the things we wanted to do in life. We might differ on how we look at success, but for me, if I created wonderful memories with the people I treasure most... that I can just provide enough for my family... that my wife and children can proudly say how wonderful a husband and father I am to them... that I can say someday that I lived a full and meaningful life... that would be success for me. Yahweh bless.
Everybody has a different measure of success depending on which are their priority but it is those who choose family above all is the riches.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a meaningful insight. I guess, if I were caught in that kind of dilemma, I would probably finish what I started first. If my family loves me, they would understand. I wouldn't want to linger back and think about what might have been (i.e. not finishing my degree). Then again, that's just me.
ReplyDeleteEach of us has different measurements of success. But in my case just so simple, live happily, worry free and seeing my children successful in their chosen path of profession in the future.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with family is the secret of the success a person may attain in life. I believe that family could be together forever. God bless too!
ReplyDeleteI guess it's our priorities that would matter on how successful we are on our chosen endeavor.
ReplyDeleteI believe that our kids won't be that way forever, so it's important to be there for them when they need us the most. I am working part time as of the moment. Inasmuch as there's a great temptation to do fulltime work, I can't help but think about our kids and how important it is to spend quality time with them now that they are still small. Of course, this is just my opinion. But thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWhether we like it or not, we can't finish all endeavors and all the things we wanted to do in life. - I agree. I can relate to your post. For me it is a matter of choice especially when you have a family and I think when it comes to career there is usually a conflict with working moms. Just like in my case, I've decided to let go off my career as a computer engineer and choose to be a work-at-home mom giving quality time with my family. I support my husband's career and now he is very professional. We are not rich but we are grateful and contented for what we have. :)
ReplyDeleteSuccess for me is, when I make my family happy with just simple things and enjoy life to the fullest. Success is not measure of what you have in life but how you get those stuff with your hard work and perseverance and above all faith in GOD :-)
ReplyDeleteNo amount of success can compensate for our failures at home. Family first!
ReplyDelete