Last week the family and I went on a “staycation”. You know, that thing where you take time off for a planned vacation, only to realize the stuff you wanted to do was way too expensive, so you compromised with your kids that you’d buy them lots of candy if we skipped Disneyland this time around, and we just stayed home. After the tears were finally dry, we then planned out what we wanted to do/see/hear/run from and did it. We had a good time, spent some time in the outdoors and saw parts of our home state that I’ve never seen. The kids loved it…the wife loved it…and I loved it…
This week, however, I went back to work. Like the next guy, there always is a bit of time to spin up the engines again, and get re-engaged in the day to day grind of work. However, this time was a bit different. I’ve spent the week thinking about what is different, why I feel different, and most importantly how to keep it. I think it boils down to perspective. You see, I’m what you (and definitely my wife) would call a work-a-holic. I’ve always got my iPhone with me, checking email, making calls, checking up on things. I have a very hard time detaching myself from work, and tend to run around with the complex that the world will probably end if I don’t make that call or send that email. However, this past week, I was forced to “unplug” as many of the places we went I couldn’t get a signal, and what I discovered was that the world kept on going. Yes, I know, it’s quite the novel concept. However, I think it was enough of a nudge to put things into a different perspective. I like it. I think I’ll try to keep it.
The most important things are my wife, my boys, my faith, my friends, and how I treat them all. Getting wrapped up in revenue, gross margin, efficiency, call volume, projections, EBITDA, etc. is important and a necessary part of life (unless you just happen to be independently wealthy). However, it shouldn’t come at the expense of those things most important. I should have the energy and desire to spend time with my loved ones and not allow any job to suck that out of me like a vampire. So I won’t. I’m still passionate about being successful, and affecting outcomes such that those around me are also successful. I love solving problems, and creating long-lasting, innovative solutions. But if that is going to interfere with a little league game, date night with my wife, chilling with my boys playing XBOX, or developing a stronger relationship with my God, then that price is too high and I won’t pay it.
Just thought I’d share…
