Do you cancel plans for work?

[69hondo]

I've done it once, and I'll never do it again. Was supposed to be on an 8 day vacation with the wife and had to stay due to a work schedule conflict. Sometimes I need to realize that my job isn't that serious.

YOu and I are in the same industry and its just insane lately.

Curious what you do for work? To me it better be life or death to take time away from my family that I previously planned!

I am a senior reinforcing steel detailer for one of the biggest placing steel firms on the west coast.
I try to be that way and have succeeded for the most part. Just seems there is not enough time in the day anymore.

 

[CLdrinker]

I guess you could have never worked for me. I can remember my daughter telling me that law school was taking her life away. I told yes but you have learn to deal with career and life. She passed and worked her a off!

you are correct this

Is way more important than your company.


This thread is really blowing my mind in how people prioritize life.

 

[hallett21]

You know what they say… when you die you always say I wish I had worked more.

 

[JDKRXW]

Guys I am a dedicated employee and have been for the last 11 years with this company. Its just the un appreciation and demand have gone through the roof.

You really need to consider whether your dedication is going to be reciprocated when the inevitible 'slowdown' occurs.

If you don't think they are; I think the answer to the question in your first post is pretty clear.

 

[530RL]

After over 40 years of it, I have found no matter how hard people try, it is impossible to separate your professional life from your personal life.

So as opposed to continuing the unrealistic desire to separate them, I've learned to try to integrate them as much as possible.

 

[DWC]

Unfortunately, end up changing my schedule quite a bit. Actually moved my vacation start back last week due to a dozen senior leaders in town that decided i should be with them. . Jumped in the car after we were done and got into Havasu at midnight instead of first thing in the morning.
It’s all good. Works both ways. I was able to coach softball, baseball and football. Never missed a high school game including those Thursday afternoon starts.
I need 5 more good years. This isn’t the time to hit the reset button.

 

[bk2drvr]

You know what they say… when you die you always say I wish I had worked more.

I happened to come across a Youtube video recently of an interview with a hospice nurse. The interview had one question and that was "what do people say the most when they are dying". According this hospice nurse that had been with hundreds of dyng people in her career, the number on thing people said the most was they wished they didn't work so much in their life and spent more time with their families and friends.

The second most common things said was that people wished they had taken better care of their health by living a more healthy lifestyle. Diet, exercise, etc...

Third was not making up with family members they had a falling out with.

So the moral of the story is, if the work can wait, take the time off and enjoy yourself.

 

[EmpirE231]

I see where you are coming from.
I’m go i enjoy a set amount of vacation days a year and I plan to use them. I’m busy everyday. The work isn’t going to stop so if I cancel this vacation I’m still going to be busy when I plan the next one and so on and so on.

Regarding being replaced. If a company wants to replace a good employee because they want to spend time with their family. That company can kindly fuck right off. So if someone busts their ass 50 weeks a year and vacations 2 weeks their ass is on the chopping block? I highly doubt it.

Now if Johnny coworker sees a busy time coming up and plans his vacation during the shit show. That’s a different story.

I love spending time with my family as much as any good father.... being self employed, that is the #1 benefit I get! I'd prob be making a bit more money if I didn't spend so much time with them.

I just know when times get tight, and companies start laying people off because they know they have to run lean and mean to survive.... they will want consistency. Obviously if you work for any sort of govt / public sector job... it's a crapshoot... you're just a #.

I'll end with a quote
"You should be getting it, getting while the getting is good" -Too short

 

[LHC Kirby]

I can always go make more money. Not giving up my time with family and friends to my clients.

This

 

[C_J_J_C]

For the past 12 years I have been hourly w/ O.T and I have done both work to live and live to work.

I had a few years I worked every available shift. 6+ days a week and made well over 200K. Great money and no time to spend it. Bank account looked great.

Burnt out of working at about 5 years in so I worked only mandatory shifts. Made under 100K and had plenty of time to send money. Burned cash fast.

Took me way to long to BALALANCE life with work.

 

[CLdrinker]

I love spending time with my family as much as any good father.... being self employed, that is the #1 benefit I get! I'd prob be making a bit more money if I didn't spend so much time with them.

I just know when times get tight, and companies start laying people off because they know they have to run lean and mean to survive.... they will want consistency. Obviously if you work for any sort of govt / public sector job... it's a crapshoot... you're just a #.

I'll end with a quote
"You should be getting it, getting while the getting is good" -Too short

I guess it’s just me. But if your a good employee your employer isn’t going to judge you for taking your time off.
Everyone is replaceable, some are easier than others. I was tasked to reveiw and manage 9.6m in project cost this year. I’m pushing 20m.
Go ahead replace me, let’s see how many guys line up for double the work but without the pay.

 

[Dunerking]

Story of my life is missing events…we have a saying “want a job,plan a vacation “

 

[hallett21]

I guess it’s just me. But if your a good employee your employer isn’t going to judge you for taking your time off.
Everyone is replaceable, some are easier than others. I was tasked to reveiw and manage 9.6m in project cost this year. I’m pushing 20m.
Go ahead replace me, let’s see how many guys line up for double the work but without the pay.

If you’re good you’re not being replaced.

Now the problem is are you good? Or do you think you’re good?

Not directed at you directly lol

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

If you’re good you’re not being replaced.

Now the problem is are you good? Or do you think you’re good?

Not directed at you directly lol

Everyone is the best worker the company has . Biggest mistake is thinking you are irreplaceable.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I guess it’s just me. But if your a good employee your employer isn’t going to judge you for taking your time off.
Everyone is replaceable, some are easier than others. I was tasked to reveiw and manage 9.6m in project cost this year. I’m pushing 20m.
Go ahead replace me, let’s see how many guys line up for double the work but without the pay.

All of the remaining guys if they do a RIF.

 

[monkeyswrench]

From 05-12, I was on site before sunrise, and left at sundown, 6-7 days a week. I'd take partial days when Mom was sick, for chemo and radiation. When Pops was in the hospital, I'd stop and see him on the way home. I couldn't tell you my kids' first words, and missed there first steps. Thought I was doing everything right. I can't say it was wrong, but don't know if the decisions were the best.

Now, I do things way different. I don't have the money, but I don't have the stress. I haven't missed a doctor's appointment, a ball game or anything. I've been able to see my kids every night for dinner, and sit on the couch with my wife in the evenings.

At one point, everything was about the big house, the new cars and toys. That's what I thought was important. Now, my goal is to finish raising three productive kids, make sure they're fed and safe. Doing good so far.

 

[Nordie]

YOu and I are in the same industry and its just insane lately.

I am a senior reinforcing steel detailer for one of the biggest placing steel firms on the west coast.
I try to be that way and have succeeded for the most part. Just seems there is not enough time in the day anymore.

If I was a betting man we have probably heard about each other, if not we know the same people.

The work load is actually kind of crazy, I always enjoy talking with detailers though, except the one time it was recommended that I should goto anger management.

 

[Warlock1]

It's all about priorities. Some people need (want) that 3900 sqft house with all the goodies. The new 3500 Diesel dually and the boat to go with it. Other people are happy with a 1500 sqft ranch house with a 21 ft open bow. One has to decide what they are willing to give up to get where they want to be. Some people made good calls and developed careers that affords them the opportunity to work a little easier later in their life. My wife is a perfect example. She is the hardest and most dedicated worker that I know. Worked multiple evenings and weekends and learned her trade so that she is now an expert in IT Storage and Disaster Recovery. She now is at the point where she directs other people and is a consultant. She still does work during off hours but she can schedule the downtime to do it on her schedule.
Bottom line you have to figure out what you want your life to look like and that becomes the goal. Evaluate your routines and lifestyle to include whatever it takes to get to that point and eliminate the rest. You will sleep easier, enjoy better health and enjoy your family and friends all the more.

 

[CLdrinker]

All of the remaining guys if they do a RIF.

Well if your a manager tasked with a RIF do you get rid of the top producing guy?

If the manager is that stupid the company has big problems.

 

[scottchbrite]

So do you guys cancel plans because of work? I work to live not live to work but lately because of my companies drive it seems that what we all do.

Yes, frequently actually. I was forced for 2 shifts last week on top of the OT I already work. That means I was “forced” to work due to a lack of staffing because of staffing shortages, illness, injury, etc. Fire Departments have constant staffing, meaning every seat has to have an ass in it. If there isn’t anyone volunteering to work, they go to a Force Hire list, and you have to work if you’re up. I’ll be wrapping October up with close to 450 hours at work. The good news is that our staffing issues are getting better!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Well if your a manager tasked with a RIF do you get rid of the top producing guy?

If the manager is that stupid the company has big problems.

You asked who will sign up to do more work for no more pay? If they let go of people on the team, everyone remaining on the team did just that.

In some lines of work, production is nothing without showing value. You have to do both.

 

[Singleton]

Yes - Before 2011 work was always first. Everything would get moved for work.

December 2011 - my daughter was born, and my boss made me reschedule my parental leave. I was planning on taking the entire month of Dec off (2 weeks parental, 2 weeks PTO). Ended up being 1 week off, then 2 in office, then 1 off. Then in January 2012 the day before I was going out for kidney surgery (would be out for a week), I was told my entire team was being reassigned. Was told, I still had a job but my 10 direct reports were being reassigned to a peer. Started interviewing for a new job while out for surgery and put in my two week notice in April (day I got home from DS 2012). CFO called and asked me to stay, but after I told him what occurred, he said thank you and I now understand why you are leaving. My boss was terminated within 1 year of my resignation and I was asked to return and take her job (I passed on that job).

June 2014 - company I am working for gets acquired and I had jobs lined up in Vegas and LA. Wife and I sat down and discussed work-life balance. She said work was going to kill me if I continued at the pace I was. The money was great, but I was away from home to much and missing my kids grow up. Both the LA and Vegas jobs would require more travel.

December 2014 - I took the skills I had and pivoted into software pre-sales. Pay is a few dollars less, but I have not rescheduled 1 vacation, missed 1 family meal, missed a kids sporting event etc.

BEST decision I made, was putting life before work!
As I tell my kids, the only thing in life you cannot purchase is TIME. Money is nice, but you only get TIME once!

 

[Bpracing1127]

some of the guys in this thread i believe dont even know their kids names lol

 

[ChrisV]

Can't get the bigger boat if I don't work... So... slave away I go.

 

[1tonfun]

I have missed a few family functions due to work related issues, hit the road later than planned to go to the lake, etc. only had to cancel one trip due to work and that was a last minute camping trip we decided to go on. I do plan my vacations ahead so even though I am the boss, I give a completion date that allows for my scheduled time off. Haven't had a customer walk yet.

 

[Mcob25rg]

I think the answer is determined by position in life. You can and will do things early that you won’t/can’t do later. The only 2 things that are limited are time and dirt. Invest in both wisely

 

[cofooter]

Well if your a manager tasked with a RIF do you get rid of the top producing guy?

If the manager is that stupid the company has big problems.

Top producing guy may be the most $$$$$. All they care about in a RIF is $$$$$$. It's that simple. Seen some great people RIF'd over a few bucks

 

[NicPaus]

Being able to buy boats and toys as you please is a good motivation for 100 work weeks. I used to work 10 days in a row then hit the river for 4. People would always ask how I could get so many river trips in. Work 120-150 hours in 10 days. 2 years in a row I managed to take 22 river trips and out work most.

 

[Javajoe]

I worked for my brother for 30 years. Rarely ever took time off. RARELY!!!
Now I’m with another company and am taking time off and enjoying it. I have people to cover my position where there was no one before. Just pulled into Havasu today

 

[badgas]

Yes

Straight commission for 29 years, You have to strike when the iron is hot.

 

[CLdrinker]

Top producing guy may be the most $$$$$. All they care about in a RIF is $$$$$$. It's that simple. Seen some great people RIF'd over a few bucks

Exactly my point.

 

[ltbaney1]

this is one the biggest reasons i stay where im at. ive been offered more money for the same job with a company car to go to work for a couple big national companies. i stay at the "little" local company i have been with 9 years. i was the owners second hire and now we have 22 working here. 2 weeks after i was hired, he left for 2 weeks for the birth of his daughter. tossed me the keys and said dont call unless the place is on fire. i got 2 weeks off paid with both my kids births with no hit to my vacation time. i have never missed a doctors appt, school conference or school function. he actually told me if you miss that type of stuff for work, i will fire you. i can pretty much come and go as i please as long as my stuff is handled. that is worth more than a couple grand a year to me. could i use more money? of course i could, but the flexibility and freedom i have is priceless to me.

 

[Todd Mohr]

Working in the entertainment industry is a 24/7 kind of deal. Can't even count how many plan, trips, vacations have been canceled.
27 years ago we were at parker and left mid week to do a demo for a game show called Wheel of Fortune. My wife was pissed. but it was the best thing i ever did. 27 years later i am still working on that show, ( actually i'm here today )

Does Vanna still ask about me all the time?

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Do I cancel plans? Rarely, but it does happen. My work never stops. From eyes open to eyes closed, every day. Including on vacation. We are always doing something that needs attention and direction.

1. Good times don't last forever. 2. I want to make enough money to put my parents/sister in a really good position someday soon 3. I like nice things 4. I want to retire early and enjoy ZERO work in my early 50s while maintaining my standard of living

Probably the biggest influence on my work ethic is I've seen my father lose his livelihood and become a serious burden due to illness. I don't want that for others around me. It can come out of nowhere and is worth the extra effort.

 

[Bullet28]

Guys I am a dedicated employee and have been for the last 11 years with this company. Its just the un appreciation and demand have gone through the roof. Some of you have said if I dont stay then I will possibly be replaced with someone that will . Well to that I say bring it on please replace me. I am sick of putting my family and life second to work.

I don’t know what you do for work, but I think you are answering your own question, I would look for another job when it permits. I have been at my new job 4 months after being at the same company 47 years. I’ll be 67 next August very happy.

 

[4Waters]

No I don't

 

[Drew]

I make sure I only work 5 days during late spring to late fall so I can spend weekend with my family . After that it 6 day and when snow cones could be weeks at a clip depending on when and how much snow . But I will always tell a day to drop dead to be at a kids sport or race or wrestling etc. I always put family first. But if it were just me I would work everyday until I find something to do . I go for quality not Quantity.

 

[DWC]

This

View attachment 1165110

Missing…
“Wish i would have got that lump checked out”.

 

[Mr. C]

A lot of different factors come into play for me. I’ve been at my present job 23 years. I get a good amount of freedom when I need to leave early. Have a dr appointment etc. I have a boss who knows I am not one to take advantage of a situation like this. So I give back some time the same way I took it. Example. I need to leave at noon on a Friday. But can come in on Sunday and put in some time. Most times it is don’t worry about Sunday maybe I’ll need an hour of your time extra on Tuesday. I have had to change plans last minute. But I never had to cancel plans that were made months (and approved time off) at the last minute.
I also would never threaten my job by saying something like if I don’t get off I quit.
My income means more then the very rare turn downs of time off.

 

[Mr. C]

Everyone is the best worker the company has . Biggest mistake is thinking you are irreplaceable.

As has been said. I don’t give a F who you are. You are replaceable

 

[Riverbound]

As has been said. I don’t give a F who you are. You are replaceable

“Cemeteries are filled with irreplaceable men” one of my mentors told me this very young in my working career. Has always stuck with me

 

[Waterjunky]

I firmly believe it is a balance between the two ideas. There is a time and a place for both. Right now with the economy slowing, you may not want to be the guy that makes a big production and forces the time off. That said, if its something that's been planned for a long time and has a serious commitment to family then make a stand. also important is how you handle the discussion with supervisors or customers. You don't want to burn critical customers at critical points but making it up before they know or letting them know you are slammed and will be a day or two later could be reasonable if its not highly time sensitive.

This really boils down to being smart about which way you need to lean. There is a time for both.

I currently work for the state. Their policy is the world could be on fire and they will clock out and go home to watch it burn when 30 minutes could have solved the issue.
I am not that way and my supervisors are well aware and incredibly thankful for that.

 

[Mr. C]

“Cemeteries are filled with irreplaceable men” one of my mentors told me this very young in my working career. Has always stuck with me

Very true. To me it’s pick your battles. In my business it’s tough finding a full time job with out chasing shows. And like my income. Could I make more maybe. But I’m secure and only a few years away from being done.

 

[4Waters]

I work 5 days I deserve 2 off, also kids are only young once and I'm not missing mine growing up it's the most important thing to me.

 

[Mr. C]

I work 5 days I deserve 2 off, also kids are only young once and I'm not missing mine growing up it's the most important thing to me.

I get that. At the same time how you gonna support them if your fired for refusing work.
I grew up knowing the hours my job would take because my dad was in the business. For 3-4 months out of the year I would be putting in 90 -110 hours a week. Literally going in on a Wednesday and home Saturday morning sleeping on the floor at work for a couple hours here and there. . But the show made the air. . Money was incredible. Missed time from family sure did. But wouldn’t be were I am if I didn’t put that time in. My wife is one who doesn’t rely on anyone either. She just handles what she has to handle and does it very well. Never bitched about my time away because she knew it was in the long run for the family. Now. After 37 years in. I don’t need to or want to work those hours. It’s different for everybody.

 

[4Waters]

I get that. At the same time how you gonna support them if your fired for refusing work.
I grew up knowing the hours my job would take because my dad was in the business. For 3-4 months out of the year I would be putting in 90 -110 hours a week. Literally going in on a Wednesday and home Saturday morning. But the show made the air. . Money was incredible. Missed time from family sure did. But wouldn’t be were I am if I didn’t put that time in. My wife is one who doesn’t rely on anyone either. She just handles what she has to handle and does it very well. Never bitched about my time away because she knew it was in the long run for the family. Now. After 37 years in. I don’t need to or want to work those hours. It’s different for everybody.

40hrs a week is all that's required, they can't force me to do OT. I did do a short stint as a driver with the studios but they own you until you reach group 1

 

[Done-it-again]

you are correct this
View attachment 1165106



Is way more important than your company.


This thread is really blowing my mind in how people prioritize life.

Bodie is always a good time...

 

[Mr. C]

40hrs a week is all that's required, they can't force me to do OT. I did do a short stint as a driver with the studios but they own you until you reach group 1

Can’t force you I know. But if you always keep turning it down aren’t kind of making your own bed to lie in when it comes your job or future work. Again I don’t know what you do and everybody jobs are different.
Right now basically I work 48 hours a week on the lot. And maybe a Saturday once / maybe twice a month. Which right now is just some extra play money. And if I have plans I can turn it down.

 

[ChumpChange]

Working in the entertainment industry is a 24/7 kind of deal. Can't even count how many plan, trips, vacations have been canceled.
27 years ago we were at parker and left mid week to do a demo for a game show called Wheel of Fortune. My wife was pissed. but it was the best thing i ever did. 27 years later i am still working on that show, ( actually i'm here today )

I saw Vanna at Agua Caliente this past weekend. .

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Hondo;

This hits home.

I am 64 come Sunday, I watched my Dad almost work himself to death at 48. 18 18 hour days in a row in the Port Of Long Beach. He "normally" worked 6 days 14hr. After the 18-18 run he had a massive heart attack and damn near died before I could fly home to see him. He did survive, but the long term impact of living like that (and smoking, and drinking like a fish) did finally have a part in taking him from us when he was 56.
His work was a matter of honor for him.
I swore that no matter what I did for a living I would learn from his mistakes.
I did a half ass job of that.
I couldn't say "no" when the phone rang and the S.O. called and took on too much O.T.
Then, I spent 2 years in a task force where I was working 16 hour days 5 days a week, and sometimes didn't get home for a couple of days, and all the wife knew was that I was "OK". It was fun, but it sucks the life right out of a guy.
And one day pushing like hell and chasing the promotion train ended my career early...back surgery, then a stent, then cancer.
That was all stuff I could overcome, but now...now some of my family has let me know how badly I mismanaged my time. We went hard on vacation... when we went, but my last day of work I had 320 hrs of vacation and over 600 of comp time, plus close to 1300 hrs of sick leave.
Stupid.
If you made a commitment to someone to do the work, do it. But learn from this situation. Don't put yourself into this corner again.
The job don't care. I was #1 on the Lt. list when I went down at work with my back.
By the time I had surgery a year later I was just a number.
There is nothing wrong wit being loyal to your craft, and covering your friends when you can, but always keep the long game in your mind, and always keep your priorities straight. We don't get no "do-overs" in this life.