All of a sudden whilst having lunch with colleagues at work I cried. Did not intend to but we were talking about pressures of academic life. On top of my promotion rejection and being issued another parking ticket for supposedly not parking in the right bay at the block of flats where we live, my mind and body could not take it anymore.
Yes, it was a difficult week. It involved meetings with people I cannot really read. And it involved me having to take extra responsibility as one colleague announced he is leaving.
So when I broke into tears I felt I was finally listened to. Yes, fathers have careers, but yes, they also have a life to live. And we can make choices. That was very comforting to hear.
Still I have continued trying my best at work. I got useful feedback from a visiting colleague. He is an example of what could happen if you want to be in the top of the academic game. You have to pay a high price. Or I should say your family has to.
So I have changed a bit my plans. I can still juggle with work and family commitments. But I need to be firmer. And need patience.
Back home the twins keep growing. They crawl everywhere, stand everywhere. They seem to listen when wife and I talk or discuss about things. What an example for the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment