I'd like to see you write something about the discernment process as far as deciding this was right for your family, not just limiting the burden on your family, because I find that to be a very tough topic! I struggle with it myself, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
Ooh, yeah, good question. My post equivocates on "what's good for Ben's career" = "what's good for Ben's family" and that's not necessarily so. I can't say I formally spelled any of this out before making the decision, but if I were to back track and think of the reasons why it makes sense for our family, here's how I would think of it:
For starters, as the sole income-earner in our family, the financial success/stability/independence of our family is intrinsically linked to my career. An investment in my career is an investment in my family's financial future, so from that angle it makes sense. And I would add that I'm early enough in my career and see enough future potential that it makes sense to make that investment now vs waiting too much longer.
But it's not just about money. There's value in Dad having fulfilling and well-integrated work. That equates to being more present and engaged with my family during the times when I'm not in work mode. Plus, my investing in career, that should open up optionality in future career decisions where I can increase my income potential while still having the ability to commit significant time to my family.
I think those two angles are how I would think through it. I think if it makes sense from that angle, the remaining part is minimizing the burden on the family, as you pointed out. For me, that was picking a weekend program that finishes sooner, but also the timing is right for where our kids are at in life. We'll have no babies or kids in pre-school. They'll all be in elementary school, which is sort of the calm before the storm before they get into high school.
Interesting! You've always been a Ramblin' Wreck!
I'd like to see you write something about the discernment process as far as deciding this was right for your family, not just limiting the burden on your family, because I find that to be a very tough topic! I struggle with it myself, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
I also can't believe the kids are so big!
Ooh, yeah, good question. My post equivocates on "what's good for Ben's career" = "what's good for Ben's family" and that's not necessarily so. I can't say I formally spelled any of this out before making the decision, but if I were to back track and think of the reasons why it makes sense for our family, here's how I would think of it:
For starters, as the sole income-earner in our family, the financial success/stability/independence of our family is intrinsically linked to my career. An investment in my career is an investment in my family's financial future, so from that angle it makes sense. And I would add that I'm early enough in my career and see enough future potential that it makes sense to make that investment now vs waiting too much longer.
But it's not just about money. There's value in Dad having fulfilling and well-integrated work. That equates to being more present and engaged with my family during the times when I'm not in work mode. Plus, my investing in career, that should open up optionality in future career decisions where I can increase my income potential while still having the ability to commit significant time to my family.
I think those two angles are how I would think through it. I think if it makes sense from that angle, the remaining part is minimizing the burden on the family, as you pointed out. For me, that was picking a weekend program that finishes sooner, but also the timing is right for where our kids are at in life. We'll have no babies or kids in pre-school. They'll all be in elementary school, which is sort of the calm before the storm before they get into high school.
Does this help? Any thoughts?