I had a very strange conversation with my manager some weeks ago that left me broken. She is also a mom and she told me moving forward I have 3 options: 1 - I continue to grow in the team and I make my family life work with the travel required after COVID, meaning I need support from W or family when I need to be out.
You say door #1 requires support from your W, but she no longer wants that hat. I'd start thinking about how you'll do door #1 without her. This could mean paying a nanny when you travel. This could mean deciding your job doesn't pay enough to hire a nanny, so you in parallel search for a job with less travel.
Originally Posted by Pack_19
I am dealing with a lot of frustration for my career because I keep feeling that I have to choose between keeping frequent contact with my children or growing professionally
Yes, of course, this is a key life choice. I could make 10% more within a month if I ditched parenting. Your choice will be guided by your values. For me, it's the easiest choice in the world--my kids. Another dad explained to me he couldn't do more than Fri-Sun without impacting his income. Priorities?
Originally Posted by Pack_19
I am going to start reading "The art of seduction" and I will now post here more often as a diary.
Cool! Someone encouraged me to watch a 30-min video on attraction (for men attracting women). What that woman claimed: (1) Women prefer confidence--so address any areas of your life you're unhappy with--e.g., for me a messy car and home, (2) Women prefer men with standards, so don't be shy to check potential partners against yours, and don't compromise your values. I rejected a third point (3), men over-compliment women so no more than one compliment per date. I enjoy expressing gratitude and compliments, and I'm not going to change who I am just to attract people. I'm pretty attractive as-is. (:
Originally Posted by Pack_19
"there must be a way to give you a full family back"
S3 still has a full family--a mom and dad who love him. Keep that front in center in your mind.
Originally Posted by Pack_19
I am also not ready to date, but I feel lonely
On Sunday, I co-hosted a charity event, and when one member of the band got sick I stepped in. I talked to over 100 people and deepened multiple acquaintances. Afterward, I went for a hike, and I suspect my smile was wide because three different people started conversations with me. Today, I was invited to a new friend's charity event. I got to meet 9 of their friends, saw wildlife I've never seen before in lands restricted to the public, and enjoy a catered lunch. Pack, I don't feel 90% lonely, or 50% lonely, or 10% lonely. I'm sure I will, some days? Addressing loneliness is separate from dating. I suspect this me is capable of attracting better dating prospects than the old me who required so much of his partners. (:
