I'm in my mid 30's and have been working for the family business since I left highschool. I'm third generation and last in line to take over, meaning if I don't, the company is over. Everything my grandfather worked his life for. Everything my father, uncle, and grandmother worked for. I've been getting up at 4 am every morning and getting home at 6 pm or later everyday for 17 years. I have two small children now that I sometimes only see for 20 min while they're getting ready for bed after I get home.
Now I have an offer to work a 40 hour week where I'll only be gone 10 hours a day instead of 13. That's an extra 15 hours a week at home with my family. A slight pay cut but I think it's worth it. I'm feeling so much guilt for putting an end to the family business. My father and uncle still have a few years left to work and now they know it will be over after they're done and it must be hard on them. It's been expected that I'll be the one to take the reigns and continue the legacy, but I have to think of myself and the good of my family. Now I'm going to see my kids every morning and help my wife get them ready for school. I'll be home to spend some time with them and play every night. I guess I just need to get some of this off my chest and tell it to someone. I should've done it years ago. Can't wait until 3 weeks from now when my new job starts.