When I saw the title "I’m taking a break from my wife and kids" and actually started reading it, I was expecting a story about enthusiastic entrepreneur willing to sacrifice his family for his startup. On the contrary, it's a reminder what is really important, and that you can't fully understand it unless you have it, and then you lose it. We just take too much for granted.
Anytime I read a comment that uses "lifestyle business" as a demeaning term, I tend to think that whoever said it doesn't have a family, or is sadly missing out on them.
This comment comes from a lack of start-up experience. That being said, I've always been hesitant to work at a start up because of the potential long hours. I'm not afraid of working hard or intimidated...I just want time with my family and friends. I don't like the idea that if I sacrifice everything now, I'll rise up the career ladder and be at a wonderful spot. Well yeah, maybe that's true...but I probably won't be in my 20s, and maybe my 30s anymore, so I wont be able to run (literally) around as easily, or stay up as late having drinks with friends (those friends may then be married and not want to have late nights anymore).<p>As I mentioned, I have not worked at a start up, I'm relying on what I've heard through friends. Family and friends for me always come first.
This sentence caught me off guard:<p>> I’ve cried more than a few times since they’ve left, I’m sure I will a few more. The truth is that I don’t cry because I miss them, I cry because I never fully appreciated what they added to my life each day in the first place.<p>I've been away from my wife and kids for a 3 week stretch and never once did I feel like crying because I missed them. I did miss them, just not to the point of breaking down into tears:)<p>I'm not sure what that says about me and the poster. Is crying due to being away from your family a common reaction?
The ending to the article is touching. In light of that what I am about to say is going to sound all the more heartless and I expect to get downvoted for it but I think that it has to be said:<p><i>If you really want to get things done, consider not having children (yet).</i><p>In my experience this applies to both men and women in demanding technical fields. You may argue that having children is worth it in spite of what it may do to your career but that's a different argument.