Truthfully, this decision cost our family money. We grew up on the bottom cusp of lower middle class. But looking back, My childhood was the greatest! I never had the newest anything. We didn’t dine at fancy places or take extravagant vacations. MY DAD WAS MY HERO THOUGH!
He worked as a parts guy for Ford & another couple companies over the next 40 years until retiring last year. He also: •Coached all my sisters teams •Made every dance recital of hers •Coached me in: ⚾️ 🏀 ⚽️ 🏃🏈 To this day his nickname among my friends is: “THE LEGEND!”
He also ran 12 full marathons. Got my mom into running & working out & they did a marathon together! He volunteered for our small town 26 years in a row & built a gym there that is used by hundreds now. He still coaches & mentors youth today in that gym. This is him recently.
He also got my sister & I interested in health & fitness from an early age. Our family has run 5 relay marathons together. Here’s him & my sister running their first race together & another one 40 years later! My kids are active & healthy & so are my sisters because of him.
I reflect back on what my childhood would’ve been like if my dad did the “normal” thing. If he prioritized WORK & MONEY over FAMILY & HEALTH like a lot of men do. I’m grateful he decided NOT to be “normal” & climb the company ladder. I’m glad he was home! PRESENCE > PRESENTS
Now that I’m a father of 3 I’ve made similar choices. I was promoted many times in corporate banking & found myself making great money with great incentives. Those incentives came at too high a cost for me tho. 3 years ago I told my boss I’m quitting corporate to be home more.
I worked 2.5 days a week as an entry level employee instead of running a staff & branch. I was 37. My boss was flabbergasted, “Once you go down you never come back up he warned!” I did this many months until I grew my side business & was able to quit completely 2 years ago!
I called my dad to tell him, Thanks dad, I love you & I’m going to honor your legacy & continue to pour into what matters just the way you taught me! I’m going to coach all my kids games just like you! I’m going to lead my family on adventures & pour in daily just like you!
I know my path isn’t for all. I also know the role of a man is: •PROTECT •PROVIDE •PRESIDE I take all of those very seriously. We have systems in place & for over 9 years we built income streams, passive income & live far below our means to make this possible.
We got super intentional & decided Less stuff -new cars -fancy watch -vacation home -designer clothes Weren’t worth me working a job I didn’t love for the next 25 years & being gone 50hours/week. I’d rather live frugally & be around the people I love doing things I love more.
Perhaps my kids will grow up & follow a similar path or perhaps my daughter will grow up & be the first female President :) Either way I’ll support their dreams & I’ll be there each step of the way to cheer them on, support them & love them! Most important to me, I’LL BE THERE!
So again, I don’t challenge anyone that loves their work & works 80 hours a week that my way is better. We all make choices that we think is BEST FOR US. My one final thought to you would be: •Pause a bit. •Reflect. •Get off autopilot. If you do work a job you don’t love,
@tyromper Thank you. I needed this. I am hopefully getting custody of my son next month. Well done “Legend”!
@tyromper I’m not really sure how I stumbled across this thread, but I want to thank you for writing as I needed to read it.
@tyromper Mini me. This is a great story and boy do we need it today. I’m 72 and looking around at these young families and wondering how they’re doing it. But I do have the privilege of attending my great grandson’s Coach Pitch games and I make sure I’m at every one!