Hint: It’s not any piece of software or hardware.
A few months ago I started a new series on this blog titled, “Get A Life.” It’s intended as a not so subtle reminder that there is much more to our lives than software, hardware and deadlines. We get so consumed with our professional lives that we sometimes forget there’s a life to be lived.
I was given a sudden reminder of the frailty of life this past Thursday with a single phone call. I needed to get back to my hometown as quickly as possible.
The phone call could not have come at a worse time. In addition to our standard weekly work, we had about three other projects that needed completion. Another project went from being a very simple, 1 day job shot locally to a much more complex weeklong edit involving a lot of footage being shipped in from Europe and due back in Europe the following week. On top of that, a stalled commercial project client suddenly decided he was ready to produce his commercial and needed it ASAP.
Leaving now would put my team into a tough position to pick up a lot of slack and cost me financially by bringing in freelancers to cover the work that I would normally do. This was a pretty important decision. Head home with all the costs involved with travel AND lose money I wasn’t anticipating in the company or stay in Atlanta to put company first?
You have to remember what is truly important as you move through your careers. Family, friends and life itself. Three things that have absolutely nothing to do with software or hardware. The more you enjoy those three things, the more fulfilling your career will be. Sounds hokey but absolutely true.
Here’s another hokey but true statement. Money doesn’t mean everything. It’s nice but when you make decisions based on money first, your life second, generally speaking your quality of life isn’t as good as it could have been.
Honestly the decision was a no-brainer for me. Family comes first. Period. Even when I was a freelancer working on my own, I always put family first and if the client didn’t understand that, well that was more their problem. On Friday my incredibly talented team came up with a plan and Saturday I was in the air on my way home. Additional freelancers will be brought in as necessary, all the work will be completed and our clients will be happy. The commercial client decided to cancel his project and take it elsewhere but I can’t worry about that. One project lost is not worth the time I am spending with my family during this time.
I always remember what’s important with every decision I make whether it’s for myself or one of my employees. A second thought is never given when family needs take precedent over work commitments. Work can wait or be covered by others. Family should always come first.
So for this “Get A Life” reminder, we all get one shot at this thing called life. Remember what’s truly important. And please remember to say “I Love You” every chance you get to those who matter most in your lives. I’m so glad I have with each phone call home.
Walter
Thanks Walter. Probably some of your best advice. People first.