After working at a mill job for 9+ years, I quit. It has been impossible to maintain a work/life balance during my time there. The money was great, working 60+ hour weeks, even the occasional 84 hour work week. However, it being rotating shifts every week and working 6 or 7 days per week, this leaves me with a minimal amount of quality time with my family.
I have three kids, ages 11, 8, and 3. When I work 2nd shift (3pm-11pm) I don’t see the two kids that are in school during the week. When I’m on 3rd shift (11pm-7am) I usually hang out with the 3-year-old in the morning then get a few hours of sleep before the older kids get out of school. Then in the evening I have the option of hanging out with my family and having dinner together, or getting more sleep before work. I feel a lot of guilt when I need to choose the sleeping option.
My wife is amazing when it comes to accommodating my ridiculous work schedule, and understands the importance of sleep, but she also can see the way this job has drained everything out of me mentally and physically. She has been wanting me to quit for a few years now. Money is great, but you’ll never be able to buy back your health and all of the time you missed with your family.
Yesterday was my last day at this job. While I am excited about never going back there, at the same time I have a ton of anxiety about our financial future. At the end of the day I know this will be the best decision for me and my family.