: Jerry

: If I can presume you'll take the unsolicited advice of an older (I
: assume) workaholic, I'd like to offer my experience on working
: those kinds of hours. By the time you reach your fifth or sixth
: decade, you'll likely regret the time not spent with family,
: friends or working on the things you love to do. I did the long
: hours in my 20's, 30;s and 40's, thinking it was the right thing
: to do. I'm in my mid 50's now, retired from the high stress job,
: and I'm enjoying a less demanding job and time with my wife,
: family, and boat shop. I have one grandchild, and two more on
: the way. I now take time for the important things in life. My
: only regret, honestly, is the extra hours I put in at work.
: Sure, it made a difference in my advancement there, but from the
: perspective of 5.5 decades, it wasn't worth the true cost.

: Please accept my advice, or tell me to shove it, it's your choice.
: I offer it with the best intentions. If you're a brain surgeon
: saving lives, I'm obviously off-base; but if you're in the same
: situation I was, I suggest you ask yourself if it's worth it.
: That's my two cents worth.

: Kirk

Kirk,
I truly accept any advice. And am right there with you regarding knowing what the important things are in life. This year I enter my 4th decade of life. I have 2 kids (4yrs and 1yr) and very much missed them this past week. I have happy to say those kind of hours are not all that common. This project I am working on has unrealistic deadlines (which I had no control over) and will be quite happy when it is finally out the door and out of my hair. The last time I spent these kind of hours was when I was in my 20's. The "final" deadline is the end of this week. So happier days are ahead.

Jer