More than a year ago I finally had to admit that I could not give my best to both my employer and my kids. As a single dad, the choice was easy and I was blessed with the option of stepping off the corporate ladder - at least until my kids become drivers or are too embarrassed to be seen in public with dad - which ever comes first.
Over the past couple of days this week, I have shared my friend's morning commute through the Los Angeles freeway jungle via cell phone. She is a high powered, very well compensated studio executive, on the cusp of a major promotion that will catapult her career and earnings by a quantum leap. Even as she savors her success, now she suffers a personal crisis each morning she drops her first grader off at school - then getting home that night after her first grader and pre-schooler have been put to bed by the nanny. From our conversation, she is conflicted that professional success is no longer worth missing out on her kids' childhood. But for her to walk away from the corporate gig will have a huge impact on her lifestyle, professionally, socially and monetarily.
Though a similar transition has worked for my kids and me, I hesitate at being the poster child for my friend's situation. So here's my question: besides the obvious budgeting and downsizing exercises, what unexpected side effects may be experienced by a high performing woman trading the corner office for a park bench?
I sincerely appreciate your feedback and look forward to sharing it with my friend as she struggles to achieve balance in her life.