Telling Your Family That Work is More Important
February 13, 2008 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
This is a tough time in any middle manager’s life. The time when you finally realize that you care more about your job than your family.
I remember when I told my Dad. He was crushed, but it felt great to release the burden I was carrying around. I also gained more free time that I wouldn’t have otherwise had available. It was nice to know I didn’t have to visit him in the nursing home anymore and I could be myself again.
So, how do you broach this touchy subject? The best way to start is to increase your weekly work hours by multiples of ten until your significant other notices. It’s important that your work doesn’t suffer during this awkward transition.
When the situation comes to a head it’s best to set up a pros and cons chart so everything makes sense. I titled my chart, “The Pros and Cons of Eliminating You From My Life.” You might want to use some of the following Pros:
- I have the freedom to work late.
- I don’t have to waste my time at our children’s soccer matches.
- I will no longer have to buy presents and gifts, which definitely helps the wallet.
- I won’t have to pretend like I’m listening anymore.
- I can share my love with spreadsheets, Word documents, and my desk.
I like to keep my Cons column empty, just so everything is clear. I hope this helps you free yourself from the clutches of a loving and supportive family.
Do you have any tips on how to successfully break away from the home life trap and focus on business?
Hudson is the C.E.O. of Rib Riot.com and spends time managing sub-ordinates, and bossing others around. His hints are offered to you free of charge so that maybe you too will be inspired and motivated to accomplish somewhat great things with your life. If you want to read more about Hudson head over to RibRiot.com
hehe. I found some good humor in this post, I hope it was intended. Otherwise, you scare me greatly.
If you want to make the conversation even easier, just don’t have it in the first place. Move out and rent your own place or get a cot at the office. Buy a telephone block for your family’s phone numbers so they can’t reach you and just ignore them forever. Problem solved.
WOW! The headline really caught my attention. I’m definitely the opposite. I ALWAYS tell work NO. Tomorrow I’m ditching a meeting from 5 – 7pm because it is Valentine’s Day! That probably explains why I’ve had so many jobs. Funny article. I hope no one takes your tips seriously.
There’s no need to go it alone. Consider teaming up with a pet rock. They are low maintenance.
Mike Tongue was definitely in cheek, but I think we can still learn from Hudson’s (and your) genius.
Stuart – Glad to hear you’re ignoring the sage advice of the slacker. Hope you have a happy family because of it!
jd – a pet rock is BRILLIANT! Thanks for sharing!
I’m a bit confused about all of the jokes. In no way was this post intended to be humorous. Why wouldn’t people be taking these tips seriously. I just gave you a get out of family free card. I don’t get it.