AdventureDad

I watched the DVD "Click" with Adam Sandler last night and was surprised over how great it was. It offers some superb life lessons. The first half was a churrito, Mexican slang for  a little cheesy, but the second half came through with a great message about life. Maybe I was in particular mood last night but I found the movie emotional and brilliant towards the end.  The story of the movie is something I and others talk about a lot, how to manage the delicate balance between work, family, and children.   What's the number one priority, family or the boss?

"Click" focuses on a workaholic architect who finds a universal remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind to different parts of his life. Complications arise when the remote starts to overrule his choices. 

You know all those unpleasant things about life?  Arguments, cleaning, not enough time for projects and hobbies, bills, and dinner with the in laws?  Wouldn't it be great to   be able to fast forward and only enjoy the fun stuff instead?  In theory it sounds great but time is precious.

Do you enjoy time with the family and children or does work come first?  Most are slaves to their job and work comes first. Life passes quicker than we think, before we know it our children will be out of the house living their own lives.  The movie brilliantly show the effects of quietly putting the family second.  

I have made many mistakes in my life, fortunately most have been minor so far.  But I'm very happy about the way I've managed to combine  wife, two small kids, work, hobbies, and free time.  Especially considering I have a particular type of job where people traditionally only see their kids during the weekends. Parental leave, short commute, long vacations, and great working hours help.  But it's still mostly about priorities.  I could quickly quadruple, or more, my compensation package by working for another company in London or NYC.  But it would mean early mornings, late evenings, shorter vacations, no parental leave, and very little time with the kids.  Doesn't appeal to me  at all.

It's a nobrainer for me, family comes ahead of my job and here I can combine the two successfully. But it can be a  difficult decision.  It's so easy to get stuck in a catch 22 situation where promotions lead to more money, more responsibility, more fun toys, and higher lifestyle needs.  A person needs to be strong to avoid getting stuck in the hamster wheel.

Watch the movie and then think about your own situation.  Are you putting family or work first?  Is  there a better solution?

Time with the kids is worth gold, even though it doesn't always feel like that.

Have a nice weekend!

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