I feel like ranting a little today, so bear with me….
Since last Tuesday I’ve been working crazy hours on a major project at work. It’s to the point that I only got to see The Babito one night last week before he went to bed. Over the weekend I was working from home so I saw him some but my wife took him out on both days (Saturday to visit her sister and Sunday to a housewarming party for our niece, which I had to miss) so I didn’t get to spend some time with him.
This week is going to be much of the same. On Wednesday I’ll be out of town for work and won’t be back until Thursday night, probably after he’s gone to bed. To try and make up for it I left work on time last night. When I got home he was so excited and ran up to me and hugged my legs. He was very clingy all last night and began to cry whenever I left the room. It really breaks my heart to think about all the time I’m missing with him, and I know he doesn’t understand that Daddy has to work.
It really sucks that we spend so much of our time at work. We all really miss out on so much each day. Our babysitter spends more time with The Babito than anyone else, which just is NOT right.
I really need to seriously look into a career that involves working from home and/or allows for more flexible hours. Either that or I need to start buying some lottery tickets.
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#1 by Lauren on April 22nd, 2008
That’s a horrible situation you’re in. At least you’re a father that cares about spending time with his kids, there are many that don’t. Hopefully things work out for you soon the way you would like them to. :O)
#2 by jason on April 22nd, 2008
I was in a similar situation at my last job and for the first six months of our son’s life. To remedy the problem, I got a new job. It’s not always an option, but it worked out well for me.
#3 by Jamie on April 22nd, 2008
The lottery is our get rich scheme too. It just hasn’t panned out for us yet. Heh.
I hope your job cuts you some slack and gives you a little more family time. Good luck!
#4 by Jolene on April 22nd, 2008
Hi there! I hear you on winning the lottery or working from home. I wish! How funny….yes, our new house actually IS in the Long Beach/Lakewood area. What street did you grow up on???
#5 by libby on April 22nd, 2008
that is the most heartbreaking image…of babito clinging to you not getting why you have to leave! is a compressed schedule possible at all? flex time?
#6 by nanette on April 22nd, 2008
That sucks.
Oh, and no offense intended with my Counting Crows comment. They’re just not my thing. That just leaves more of them for you to love, right?
#7 by Daddy Dan on April 22nd, 2008
Lauren: I think things will work out. I do have 4 weeks of vacation left, so I plan on spending plenty of time with The Babito this summer!
Jason: I’m looking around. The job is actually pretty good for the most part, it’s just the busy periods (that happen a few times a year) that are hard. We’re always busy but I can usually get the work done in 8 hours a day, plus a little working at home after Babito goes go bed.
Jamie: And I think you have to buy tickets to win, right? I’ll probably need to start trying. Thanks for the nice thoughts.
Jolene: Hi Jolene, we lived on Del Amo Blvd, between Woodruff and Bellflower. Did you grow up in the area? It’s a nice place for families, especially in Lakewood, at least when I lived there.
Libby: Don’t remind me!!! =) My current boss is really old-school so compressed schedules or flex time is not an option right now. He’s retiring next year, so hopefully things will change. He just barely allowed us to get blackberries just this year! I think he didn’t think we’d get use out of them because he doesn’t know how to use his!
Nanette: No offense taken, Nanette! =)
#8 by Jolene on April 23rd, 2008
hi there!
no, I didn’t grow up there at all. In fact, I never thought we’d end up buying our first house in Lakewood but it’s such a cute area and I love that there is kids playing outside on the street.
Our house is on Del Amo and Palo Verde…but it’s still in a residential area obviously. Very cute street. How funny that you grew up there! Glad to hear that you liked it when you were there. 
#9 by Daddy Dan on April 23rd, 2008
Jolene: You guys are really going to like it there. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the area. One tip: Shop at the Cerritos Mall instead of Lakewood Center. It’s much nicer, plus it’s probably closer to your house anyway.
#10 by Debbie on April 24th, 2008
I feel your pain. Thanfully my times like that only happen 4 times per year, but when they happen, I feel horribly guilty.
Good for you for trying to make it better! The common thing I’ve heard from my dad and my uncle who both worked a ton when they were younger is that you can never go back and get that time with your kids. It’s sad to hear the regret in their voices when they say this.
#11 by Daddy Dan on April 24th, 2008
Debbie: It’s like that for me too. I’m only working late during certain periods of the year, but it’s still hard. I definitely don’t want to look back with any regrets about missing out on things. Thanks!