I was once like your boss... high strung, everything had to get done, or everything before I dropped.
Every day I went home worn out and tired, every day I did EVERYTHING I could possibly do... and when I came home. I was a zombie. I didn't talk to anyone, let alone my girlfriend. I hardly talked to family and usually it was short conversations because we needed something from each other.
I ended up in the hospital and that is when my boss (still love her for this) told me I was taking a vacation and we would talk about what I wanted to do when I got back.
For 9 days my vacation lasted and on the last day my boss called me and told me I was one of the best she ever had working for her (in 28 years of her career I felt some sense of honor at the remark)..... but that I was going to work myself to death if I kept up.
I was tired, worn out, and I needed a break.... more so than just a vacation for 9 days. I decided to take a leave with the offer to come back when ever I wanted to. I didn't...
Instead I took 3 months off and started over..... after those 3 months I made a new life in California and I haven't worked more than 60 hours in a week since. Although, my usual work week is around 30-35 hours.
Sure... I make A LOT less money. Ya know what though, it is so worth it. I have a lot more time. I am a lot more happy and with my son on the way. I think the new me will do him and my wife a lot better than me working and being gone all the time.
Honest story Timbo. Thx for sharing this.
We do have a lot of people with burn outs at work. And the number is increasing. Most of these people don't see it coming, which makes it extra hard for them, cause they consider themselves as a failure. Which they aren't! Hell no!
When your son arrives. Make sure that you see him growing up. It is was of the most beautiful things in life. My sons are now 6 and 9 years old. You will understand that you will work to give them a better future, but don't underestimate the fact that they also need you around him.
Thanks for sharing your story. I was reading this and I was reminded of the Harry Chapin song "Cat's In The Cradle."
Here it is, it is a good song with a great lesson.
Yea great song, I have listened to it many times. I refuse to be that kind of a father.