"Time and money are inversely proportinate -
to spend less of one you must always spend exponentially more of the other."
Elaine Griffen
This quote resonates with me lately. I really thought that by working full time I was contributing to our financial security. Turns out that the time I spent at my job took away from my family (and mental health) to the detriment of the people I love the most. Nowadays as a furniture painter/refinisher I earn a third of what I used to, but find that my bank account still looks healthy and my family is happy. It's funny to me how the things we think are "right" or "good" can be just the opposite for us. I didn't realize in the five years I worked how much my kids still needed me and how much my husband missed me.
I feel thankful to have the time to spend with my family, the patience to work with my teen children, the flexibility to be present for them, and the chance to do something that speaks to my heart.
I agree 100% If all the bills can be paid and there is food on the table..thats whats needed and spending the time with our kids...that is the most important. Especially when they become teens. Cheers Frances
ReplyDeleteInteresting thought...I don't have kids, but took a big pay cut last year...a pay cut I never would have willingly taken before moving (i.e. it would have prevented me from moving here). But then I think, maybe this is a lesson, that I can live on less...maybe a lesson for down the road if I want to change careers. ;) Thanks for the insightful post!
ReplyDeleteFrances- Exactly. I always thought that being there while they were little was more important. I was so wrong!
ReplyDeleteKristen and Rob- Less really is more. I know that sounds hokey, but I am finding that I am happier looking at all I have rather than killing myself to gain what I think I need to have.