By | Sreejith Krishnan | www.sreejithkrishnan.com
Let’s jump right into a topic that’s often on our minds but rarely voiced – the intricate balance between our professional commitments and our personal lives, specifically in the context of parenting. An interesting saying goes, “20 years from now, the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids.” Let’s take a closer look at what this means for us and our children.
First things first, let’s not undermine the importance of hard work. We’ve all heard tales about the ‘grind,’ pulling late nights, and weekend work being the stepping stones to success. And there’s some truth in this. Hard work is essential for achievement, and it’s crucial that we pass down this value to our kids.
When they see us dedicated to our work, when they see the glow on our faces as we crack that tough project, or the sigh of relief as we meet a critical deadline, they are learning invaluable lessons. They’re learning about perseverance, commitment, and the sheer satisfaction of giving your best. In the grand scheme of life, these powerful teachings will serve them well in their journeys.
On the other hand, we have to ask ourselves, “What message are we sending when our kids constantly see us working late into the night or during weekends?” The answers can be somewhat complex and thought-provoking.
We might inadvertently be teaching them that work is an all-consuming, ever-present aspect of life. This could skew their perspective of work-life balance and lead them to believe that professional success necessitates personal sacrifice. If they always see us working, they might understand that work takes precedence over relationships, hobbies, rest, and even health.
