It happens everywhere. To everyone. In every profession and industry. Tom Brady retires and then unretires because he cannot stay away from football. Not because he needs the money or has anything else to prove. He’s addicted to getting better. The work. It’s not just with sports that this happens or when millions of dollars are on the line.
This happens with everyday people and jobs. We choose to work longer and harder. To stay later at the office. We make the choice to attend the workshop to learn a new skill or the week’s long business seminar because of the opportunity and the people you’ll meet.
But what If I told you about a parenting conference that is happening this weekend? Or a free online course on how to be a more, present parent? Would you attend?
It’s easy to do something that improves your work. As a result, oftentimes, your money or earning potential. Your confidence and self-esteem improves. The harder choice is attending a weekend-long retreat on how to be a better parent. Why is that? For work we would do anything up to and including, inconveniencing ourselves. Really what you’re doing is inconveniencing your kids. You’re stealing from them to do someone else’s work at the office. Meanwhile, who’s going to do your work as a parent?
For our kids, we leave them flat, right where they are. We often chose the work over them! And they get the tired parent that is disconnected at home.
You aren’t choosing the right work.
You cannot decide to improve your skill set as an employee or professional and not who you are as a person, as a parent. Some professions have required continuing education courses. However, none of this exists for parents. Were supposed to just figure it out. So, go to the library and borrow some books on things you want to improve. Use the other platforms we have available today to learn something new and more importantly, be a better person.
Tom Brady has spent an incredible amount of time on his diet and how he throws a football. Has he spent that much time and attention with his kids? The job is parenting once you become one. Nothing else matters.
The connection between work and parenting should not be ignored. The fascinating part of that is, being the number one employee means nothing to your family and does not influence you as a parent at all. However, being an incredible parent actually does make you a better employee. When you’re home and you give your kids the time needed, they feel loved and you feel successful as a parent. That bleeds more into your professional career than the reverse; where you’re an amazing employee and that bleeds into who you are as a parent.
Your children deserve to be chosen. The promotions and pay increases are nice. But when your kid is 20 will they even care about those things? Or the bike you purchased when you received the promotion? Or will they care if you were there with them?
Thought Provoking Questions : What have you done to be a better professional? Now, what have you done to be a better parent? What can you do to be a better parent and person?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions.
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