What are you giving up? Is it Worth it?

Reflecting on lessons from my dad.

My dad never made more than $40,000 a year. I remember wishing we had more money and being embarrassed that he drove old beat-up cars and never had more than a quarter tank of gas.

As I've made career decisions, I've found myself striving to make more money. I've convinced myself that I want to make more money so my family never has to stress about finances, I can spend more time with my kids, and make a positive impact on the world.

But what is "ENOUGH"? Is it worth sacrificing time with my kids now when they're young and missing key moments in their lives to have more time to spend with them later (when they probably won't want to spend time with me anyways)?

I don't know the answer to these questions and they're different for everyone. But I know it's something just about every parent struggles with.

The dilemma of providing for your kids and wanting to spend as much time as possible with them.

My dad passed last year from cancer and now as an adult, I'm mature enough to realize an appreciate some of the things he did while I was growing up that I definitely took for granted.

And the lesson for me in all of this is that if he had prioritized his career and making more money, I very likely wouldn't have these memories.... and things turned out just fine with the income my parents had.

1️⃣ He coached my baseball team every year from age 6 - 12

2️⃣ Drove me to every practice and came to every game from age 13 - 18

3️⃣ Sacrificed any potential possibility of "retiring early" so I could have an opportunity to continue playing baseball in college

4️⃣ Encouraged me to do hard things, let me fail, but never let me completely break

5️⃣ Supported my decision to quit playing baseball and focus on Air Force ROTC training

6️⃣ Told me he was proud of me when I decided to join the military and make that my career even though he was afraid of the potential risks

The list goes on.

My dad wasn't perfect and he had a lot of financial and health habits that showed me what not to do. But he was the best dad I could have ever asked for and the father I needed.

He was there for me anytime and all the time. That's something I'm trying to do as a father to two beautiful girls and a son who played his first season of baseball this year.

Here's a picture of us on a Saturday out at the fields doing what he loves. Practicing baseball.

Success is about more than money my friends. Remember that and enjoy the time while you have it.

How do you keep these competing forces in balance? Let me know via comment or hit reply and send me an email if you want to keep it private.