In a Tough Economy, Family Comes First

My wife and I were married this past February, and we are expecting our first child this December (I know, I know – believe me, I know).

Despite the fact that we both love our jobs and take great pride in what we do, after the Big Day arrives, I can guarantee you that neither of us will want to go back to work any time soon. In fact, I’d go as far to say that there is no amount of money, fringe benefit or employee perk on earth which would draw either of us back to work a minute earlier, if it meant one minute less with our new bundle of joy.

We’ve all felt the pressure of this economic crisis in some form or another, be it by getting laid off, furloughed, having salaries frozen/cut, getting saddled with extra work, or simply being trapped in current undesirable positions, for fear of making risky career moves. However, whether you are an employee, manager, executive or business owner, there is one thing which we all want during these uncertain times even more than money, recognition or reward: spending quality time with our loved ones. During tough times, family comes first, period.

Despite the economic squeeze, I’d be willing to bet my last Pep-O-Mint Life Saver that, if given the choice, today’s knowledge workers would be 10 times more likely to choose a day home with family over an extra day’s pay. When people are overworked, stressed, run down and anxious about their job security, what they long for most isn’t a group bonding activity, professional development opportunity or pulse-pumping entertainment event (though these do help) – they want to spend more time at home with husbands, wives and kids. I say this not only as a hard-working husband and father-to-be, but as the owner of a corporate team building company!

As we wrap up another workweek, I hope that all of you who have been toiling so incredibly hard this past week, month and – can you believe it – almost 3 years since the recession hit will soon get to enjoy some healthy, well-deserved quality time with your loved ones. It’s the best workplace morale boost there is.

Have a great weekend! Will see you next week.