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Family without a doubt. I work with tons of people who are on the road all year, and go home and see their family maybe a handful of times a year. I can make about 1.5x as much on the road as I could having a permanent job in one place. It's great while my gf travels with me, but once we get married, settle down, and start a family, slim to none in regards to travel anymore for work. Just based on how I was raised with my parents and how I want to be with my children, I'd rather be around than have a bigger house.. I didn't have a "lot" growing up, and were were definitely lower to middle class at best. There's not a chance in the world I would have traded that for a better car, bigger house, more vacations, or more money towards my schooling.. Having my dad home every night was worth far more.
The underlying assumption sometimes in these discussions is that people who "put career before family" do so because they are obsessed with making more and more money and hold that in higher regard than maintaining positive relationships with their family and spending time interacting with their kids and spouse, etc....kind of a one-percenter problem, really. The "They just don't love their family enough, they love work more" assertion doesn't apply universally. The people in the world who are in situations where they have no choice but to put their job as number one priority in order to even begin to hope to provide for their families aren't really considered when the pat, "Family comes first" answer comes down. Family should come first. But unfortunately, for some, family coming first means that a parent is away working an insane number of hours so that the family can come first.
While this is the case for SOME, I think it's FAR less than those that actually work on the road. While yes, they can make a lot more, but many could still make a LIVABLE amount with a permanent job back home. For instance, if they make 175k on the road, vs 100k with a permanent job at home.
I feel like a LOT more people choose that 175k and are away from their family 90% of the year, vs the 100k vs living at home. I say this because I know a LOT of people in that situation, I work with them all the time.
Sure, they do it for more money and to provide better, but they certainly make a LIVABLE wage if they were to stay at home too. The wouldn't be able to afford as nice of things and such, but that's the work/life balance we are talking here.
I don't think it's the point where people are making 200k on the road, but where they live they could only make 40k or something.. I don't think the changes are that drastic. Not for most people at least..
I think there are several variables that would effect that decision. For instance.....like many Americans....No job, no food or shelter for family. If it is simply that your job effects family life, then adjustments might be a priority.
Simply put...I do not think it is always black and white.
I think it depends on your place in life. Right now I'm homeless; marriage and babies aren't exactly in the immediate picture. But once I settle down, all career bets are off, except for the one as mommy and wife. Career is first right now for me.
Your career pays your bills, your family can get you in a lot of trouble and expenses. That doesn't mean you shouldn't support them in critical moments. But most of the time your career should come first.
Your career pays your bills, your family can get you in a lot of trouble and expenses. That doesn't mean you shouldn't support them in critical moments. But most of the time your career should come first.
I am curious because I made the post expressing my interest, and you responded with a short answer. Thanks for your response though.
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