What is your work policy? I mean for yourself? What are you willing to sacrifice to find a job you like?
Last Saturday it was 7:00 in the morning and my 3 yr old was bouncing off the walls so I took him to the park to jump, scream and eat bark. We were the only ones there until one by one, Dad’s began rolling up with their little dynmo’s. There were six Dad’s at one point! In addition to the sleep we all had in our eyes, we all were armed with snacks, sippy cups, and snot rags. It was classic as we all made eye contact with each other and murmured the same question, “your wife sleeping in too?” The dynamics of parenting are changing and it’s wonderful to see.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the attitude most have towards living a full life. There was one Dad in particular I was able to talk with at length.
He had noticed I was in shape and asked me what I was training for. I told him about how I like to run. He then proceed to tell me about how he loves to ride bikes competitively but doesn’t have the time anymore to ride. I asked why not. He gave many of the common justification as to why it wasn’t possible.
- I work too much.
- My commute is long.
- I have my hands full with my son.
- I am always tired.
Believe me when I tell you, it was obvious this Dad really enjoyed riding, however I did not feel the same passion when I asked him how he makes money. Here was a very bright man who is limiting himself. It was clear he felt he didn’t have enough time to do all the things he loved so something had to give.
It does not have to be this way. We all have a choice as to how we spend our time. It was clear deep down this Dad is missing a piece to his overall happiness. In this scenario it common for someone to resent other things like their job because it is taking time away from what the individual is passionate about. Then ultimately the money that is made is not fully enjoyed because it comes from the job they resent.
Now, the individual feels if they could just start to make more money, it could relieve some of the pressure and free up time. So the individual starts working harder and longer thinking this is the only way to wealth. Now there is strain on the family and the individual is frustrated because he is not able to see his family as much.
Can you start to feel the stress in just reading this? It all happens because of the belief there is not enough time. The belief we can’t have our cake and eat it too. For some odd reason we have become a society of either/or. For those that struggle with never having enough time, this reality only exists in their own mind.
