I got an interesting question from a reader (Jenny) the other day that I think is worth discussing.
Here is a quick run-down of her story…
“I’m in my mid 20’s and married with no kids. I have a college degree and a career in that field. I just started in a new position with my current company, and they’ve asked if I would be willing to work full-time in another city, instead of the 50% travel I was originally told the job would require. They’re asking me to fly out on Sunday nights and return home on Friday afternoons. Every. Single. Week.
I struggled with the answer, because I can’t find a biblical basis for refusing their request. I’ve always valued work/life balance, but I wonder if by refusing their request, I’m not being open to the idea that perhaps this is a season in my life in which I’m supposed to spend a lot of time at work. What’s your take? … I’d love to get your input from a Biblical perspective.”
Hmm… I know you are probably already doing this, but you need to pray for direction. When we don’t have specific scriptures instructing us one way or another on an issue, it needs to be a Spirit-led decision. I think it is great that you didn’t just say no because you didn’t want to – you are looking to do the right thing, even though it may not look very appealing to you. That is awesome.
Work/Life balance and the Bible
A scripture that has helped me out a lot recently has been:
My tendency that I have to fight against is working too much. And what I was getting out of this verse was that being a work-a-holic is a waste of time. I have found in my own life that when I work hard to complete a normal days work that I actually accomplish more than if I get obsessed and work around the clock. God knew the importance of rest and how it actually improves efficiency.
So, I am not sure if that applies to your situation or not, but my suggestions would be:
- Keep praying and ask God to make it clear to you
- Talk to your Pastor and others you trust who know your situation and get their input as well. Proverbs says that there is safety in the multitude of counselors.
- Don’t be afraid to say no or yes. Be open to both possibilities. If you are not getting direction from God, I would default to wisdom (from #2).
Have you ever had this happen to you? Do you have any advice for Jenny?
Related posts:
- Giveaway | 48 Days to the work you love
- Short Prayers week
- Debating the 4 hour work week
- Credit card use – my thoughts
- Christian Goal Setting
- Does Saver’s Remorse exist?
- 4 Steps to Get Your Finances Under Control
- Make the most of Credit Card debt (part 1)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I had a similar thing happen a couple years ago. I was offered my dream job. The trouble was, it as 700 miles away and would require me to either move, or fly there Sunday night and fly home Thursday night (working from home on Friday). I decided against accepting the job for one big reason. I’m very involved in activities at my church and this would severely limit my ability to be involved. I ended up turning down the job because it would have required me to compromise on one of the two things I have told myself I will never compromise on (1. church, 2. family).
Perhaps a good way to look at this is to ask yourself what are your priorities? If this hinders some of your ultimate priorities, then I wouldn’t hesitate to refuse. What are the things in your life you will never compromise on?
What a tough call. Employers do seem to take advantage of their new hires.
What does your husband think? I would be devastated if I only saw my husband one day per week. It probably won’t be a good thing for your marriage, honestly.
It sounds like if you want to take this job, you should consider simply moving to the new city (and bring your husband!).
Because essentially, if you’re living far enough away for six days per week…you’re living in another city and just “visiting” home.
You’d have to maintain two homes otherwise, which will be a hassle. Two beds, two sets of cookware, and the expense of having two apartments.
I’m not sure where in the Bible you’d be able to find passages on this topic, but your first obligation is to God. Your second is to your spouse, and your employer comes way on down the line.
Good luck and keep praying!
If I was single and childless, and I enjoyed the work, I’d do it in a heartbeat, assuming travel expenses are included and regular work hours at the other location.
It seems to be basically a move, without the risk. Try a new place out, meet new people, and still have a “home” to come back to, if you want.
I’m 100% with Kacie. Great response!
Your family should come before your work, always.
I would tell Jenny, that she should make a list of her priorities. I find this helps decision making a lot easier.
For example, my first priorities in life are:
1. God
2. Family
3. Career
Then any decisions I make must first agree with whats most important in my life, and work your way down from there. If it doesn’t conflict and helps her develope whats really important to her than she should go for it.
I know she doesn’t have any kids, she needs to be ready for the strain that it will put on her relationship with her husband. I know from experience that long distance relationships require a lot more time and effort that might be difficult to give if she is at a job that demands a ton of her time.
Hope this helps.
I would find another job. Why would you put up with the hassle of traveling if you don’t want to?
It all boils down to this question, what do you value most in your life? As stated by others above, I agree with the following hierarchy of priorities:
Top 1: God (and ministries)
Top 2: Family
Top 3: Career
I remember when I was offered job in a software development company, my first question is do I go to work during Saturdays (some companies here in Philippines do have regular work during Saturdays) and if I can go home early during weekends. My reason for this is because we do our Sunday praise and worship team practice during Friday nights and during Saturdays we have medical outreach to different communities. Good thing my company allowed me to still do my “ministerial” task.
Remember if any actions would lessen your relationship with God or with your family, run away from the offer. However, if your company offers a place where you and your family could stay near your workplace, that would be superb! Pray that God offers more opportunities.
Sam
You can double the amount of travel time a company wil tell you is needed “as a rule of thumb”. I quit a company for this very reason and you probably should too or you’ll regret it later.