A few years back, I was asked to leave my job by my wife. Her work was stressful, and getting more-so, and it was getting difficult to balance our family responsibilities with those of our work. I also wasn’t happy where I was, so it was an easy decision.
I did that for a couple of years before I was approached by someone I had worked for a long while ago. Our discussions led to a contract position, and last year led to an employee position as head of their software department. The work over the last few years has been interesting, complex, exasperating, and overall enjoyable. During my stay, I noticed a lack of direction in their IT department, and started managing that area as well. I enjoyed both jobs very much, and wish I could have stayed and done the family thing at the same time.
Unfortunately, even though they were willing to bend over backwards to help me maintain my position as the primary caregiver to my boys, I wasn’t able to achieve the balance I was striving for. In the end, both my family and my employer were not getting all I had to give, and I felt something had to change. After several discussions with my wife (and kids), we decided I would once again stay at home with the boys.
It was a difficult decision to make. As I said earlier, my employer was extremely flexible. I’m overjoyed to be going back to being a stay-at-home parent, but I also feel a rather large sense of loss… almost as though I gave up.
Norscan Instruments has been an exceptional employer, and I wish them the best of luck in the future. My last day is November 24, 2009.
Hey kids, I’m coming home.
You haven’t given up. Human nature compels a lot of us to “want it all”. And you can have it all…. just not all at the same time. Enjoy them now. The time passes much too fast.
Such wisdom… what can I say? You rock, Gerald!
Thanks guys. I know I made the right decision, though I still feel a sense of loss.