Life is a series of trade offs, you can’t be everywhere or do everything at the same time.
Live and let live, stop comparing yourself with others... else depression kicks in. more

You should only compare like to like situations. Are your friends making similar concessions and spending more time with family? Your time is your... most valuable asset. As the saying goes, "I've never seen a headstone that says "I wish I spent more time at the office"". more

I left a well paying job and started freelancing at home while taking care of my young family. The freedom of time gave me an opportunity to start a... backyard social enterprise to solve my fuel cooking needs (briquettes) and those of the community to date. 15years now and it has been the most fulfilling part of my life , that opened many other doors and opportunities for me. more

Yes. I did. I did not regretted. Money will not replace the only currency you have, which is time. You have spent your currency on your family and... yourself. Those who give their currency for money devalue their time just as the money they sold their time for devalues ​​over time. You will stay healthier more

I’m sure some have but statistically most don’t. Why? Because ultimately it becomes part of your work history and experience and your opportunities... and pay will be based off that. Not saying you made a bad move. The only mistake you made is comparing yourself to others which is the worse thing to do in life period. I believe you will make the a move when the time is right for you. more

I’ve been laid off twice and spent 18 months as the dad in the playgroup. I would not trade it for anything. Who cares what you make vs your friends... if you are happy.  more

Yes I agree with comments about spending time with family. I almost hit a balance in life. MY kids where taught that work give the family money to do... what we want. I agree no one ever said " I wish I had spent less time with a loved ones" Good Luck figuring it out with balance in life. But think hard and don't let your ego drive the bus is only thing I suggest.  more

I haven't experienced this personally, but here are my thoughts.

I think it’s easy to look at what friends or colleagues are earning and feel like... you’ve fallen behind, but career success isn’t measured by salary alone. You made that decision because having more time with your family was important to you, and there’s real value in the time and experiences you gained over those two years.

That doesn’t mean you have to stay at the lower salary forever. If you’re ready for more professional or financial growth now, you can start exploring opportunities that provide it without necessarily giving up the balance you worked to create.

Sometimes a career decision isn’t about falling behind—it’s about choosing what matters most during a particular season of your life. more

Everyone has their definition of success and happiness.
Thats where the main question is...

If I'm accurate, a study was made that about 77% of people on their deathbeds regretted why they didn't spend more time with their loved ones -... possibly, the rest regretted career, traveling more, not giving birth (when they could), and so much more .... stats will always give us a clue. Once one has a close family, I believe that time spent with them is a sure imprint of purpose! more

Please do not misunderstand my post. I am father of 6 and in order for me to have provided my children with a very happy, comfortable life sacrifices... were needed and prioritization was necessary. As a result, I put them all through college and provided down payments for their homes. I still managed to spend quality time with each of them and they all are grateful to my wife’s equally hard work and sacrifice because it afforded them so many opportunities. more

Family is equally important so depends on what happened, maybe sickness or there are moments u feel being far from ur family mostly spouse makes u... lonely. But I hope she won't leave u if u are a man coz of financial issues  more

Family is equally important so depends on what happened, maybe sickness or there are moments u feel being far from ur family mostly spouse makes u... lonely. But I hope she won't leave u if u are a man coz of financial issues  more

So far not really

Career is very important, especially in this era. However, making time to care for your family—their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs—also... requires considerable effort, commitment, and time. This is a God-given responsibility, and for me, it is key and non-negotiable.
I see career and family differently: career is variable, but family is constant. You can always explore other career opportunities or find a good business that you can do alongside your family to generate additional income and supplement your current earnings.
I believe you have made a great decision, so never regret it. Keep moving forward, give yourself time, and trust the process. One day, you will look back and be proud of yourself—and you will have no regrets at all. more

I did the same. Yes I lost time professionaly, but my son is now the fine 20 year old he is today because I took that time.
Im now 52 and making it... back up. I may not be the richest man, but my family came first, and we all still got fed . more

I did and I'm okay with it. I got married in my late 40s and left an executive leadership role so I could give more attention to my role as wife and... mom to a young child. Four years later, and I'm happy with my choice. In that time I have taken on side contracts that helped me make more money than ever. But I only do that when I want or need to. I struggle with being okay with rest and fun stuff because I'm so used to grinding and a career-focused life. But I'm learning and I'm happy. And I won't have my young one at home forever. It's all been worth it. more

I need more context. Are you talking about the family you were born into, or the family you made via spouse and children? Do you feel like the time... with your family was worth it? What do you value more, family or career? More details would help you get the feedback you seem to be looking for. more

Wow how rude; but brutally honest

Of course not! The time to make $$$ is when you are young and able to grab every opportunity in order climb the ladder of success. Sorry, but you need... to prioritize your career first, you can always find time for family. more