how to balance this situation ?

China
August 4, 2011 3:23am CST
hi, mylotters, there is a dilemma situation between work and family. i am an electrical engineer who need to on business in south asia and love my job and be fond of business which can tour all around at the same time,however,almost 300 days per year on business only less than one month with my family is really a problem.my wife sometimes is complaining about it and frankly speaking i have no time to take care of family. i tried to communicate to my department manager about my situation wishing to change to another department which needn't on business,the result is in vain. what should i do ? what would you do if you were in my position? do i have to quit?
5 responses
@janevi (888)
• Philippines
5 Aug 11
It is understandable to be torn between the two 'loves' of your life. Taking care of the family can be expressed in several ways. One is by providing their needs, have quality time spent with them especially during birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasion that needs your presence. Other can be expressed by simply asking how are they doing especially in your absence. Raising a family is a difficult task and responsibility of the couple. Sharing the responsibility between your wife is the best key to live harmoniously and in peace. In your case, your role is to provide all their needs by working and that work requires traveling or being away from them for almost ten months every year. Just explain to your wife and children the nature of your work and don't fail to communicate to them often. Im sure that kind of set-up in your work is not for a lifetime. Just make the most of the time while you are with your family physically and communicate with them constantly so that they would not really feel your absence. A father figure is very important in the growing up years of children. As the saying goes, you can't serve both masters at the same time. You have to sacrifice the other in order to do your best for another. Make your priorities. That would help in making a good decision in life. Be a good father to your children and a faithful husband to your wife. :-)
• China
5 Aug 11
If your family can live with you in China,that would be the best choice.I think family means the memembers are together,no matter where the palce is.
• China
5 Aug 11
hi,janevi,thank you for response,in the future life, i will always keep in mind you mentioned above that a father figure is very important in the growing up years of children which means a lot to me. according to the words i can realize you are a good husband(wife) or father(mother).have a nice day.
• China
4 Aug 11
There is really dilemma situation,you take almost 300 days per year on business only less than one month with your family,it is out of this world,no wonder your wife will complain,you should undertake the responsibility of do father and husband .Have you ever thought of your child? Father love is very importance to a kid ,a child's growth can not lack of the father's time,with only a childhood,money can be earned,but children's childhood is not made up,childhood memories influence your child's life. As long as you have the confidence and strength,good job will come,communication with your manager,he will understand you. god bless you.
• China
5 Aug 11
hi, williamqq,thank you response . i married in valentine's day this year and it's a little funny that i have no time to have a baby so couldn't feel you mentioned above about children's childhood stuff which is totally important i think. i will think about it and talk to my manager and wife and find a workable way to solve my dilemma.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
4 Aug 11
If you never contribute any of your earn income to support your wife and children at home while you are doing business in South Asia for 300 days a year; then you are not living up to your responsibility as a husband and father to take care of your family. Apart from not spending time with them, you also fail to live up your duty as a bread winner and head of household for your family. But if you contribute regularly to your family needs, your wife should not complain too much about your physical absence in China due to your hectic work schedule demanded by your company. She need to be more sympathetic to your situation instead of adding more pressure on your shoulder. May be it is time for you to have a lengthy talk with your wife and your manager to try to find a workable solution between balancing your career and your family in a productive manner before every thing begin to fall apart.
• China
5 Aug 11
hi,lampar,it's my honor to make friends with you and thanks for response.i'm totally agree with you mentioned above that finding a workable solution between my career and family and i will think about it recently.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
5 Aug 11
I think if i were in your position, i would quit. What would my money do if my wife and children were already clamoring for my presence at home. Perhaps i could just apply for another job , which could more than give us all our needs , but be always there for my family. For me , a happy family is foremost in my life.
• China
11 Aug 11
Many families will meet those dilemma. It's not your false. But your wife's request is proper. You always go on business,you can't take care your families. So your wife will be very tired. Maybe you can pretend you and your wife will divorce because of your work. Then tell your manager,I think he maybe transfer you to a new department.