Yesterday was a rough day at work. One of my co-workers informed us that she was requesting to increase her time back to 80% (she is currently working 60% since the birth of her twins almost a year ago) and was hoping we would support her with management. Ok, I have no problem with that but was wondering why she would choose now (with all our budget problems). Then she burst into tears and told us that she needs to increase her hours because she is contemplating divorce. Evidently her husband was fired from his job on Monday because he was having an affair with a woman from work (she was also fired). I have often wondered why she has stayed with him. He was fairly highly placed in investment banking and was never home, rarely helped her with the children (11, 8 and the year old twins) or anything around the house. She has essentially been a single parent since I've known her. The affair was the last straw. He, of course, has been telling her that it's her fault, that she didn't make him enough of a priority (how could she, he was never home!). She is devastated.
All this has made me realize that, as crazy as my life is at the moment, I'm happy with it. I'm grateful for the challenges and chaos. I may have a lot on my plate but they are all things I placed there myself.
Amen to that. I like a full plate too, but do know when its time to step back. I feel bad for your co-worker. Hopefully she will make a new (and better)life for herself.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Something like that certainly puts it all in perspective doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteKris
Wow...just when I feel like I have it bad, never fails that you meet or hear of someone who is way worse off! I have a full plate too, but it wouldn't even occur to me to be worried about my marriage, husband, etc. It's not that I take it for granted, it's just that I know my husband loves & lives for his family and even when things get tough around here, me and the kids' security is never threatened! I just had a neighbor move in who is a single dad, my husband found out that he divorced and got full custody because the wife is a full-tilt junkie. We see her occasionally because he demands if she sees the kids she has to be at his house, and consequently, he had to warn us to keep our sheds and gates locked up because if she is looking for a high, she will steal anything not bolted down. WOW, is all I can say... Puts our lives into perspective, doesn't it???
ReplyDeleteThat poor woman...:(
ReplyDeleteI feel really sorry for that lady. I respect and love my wife to much to do anything like that. It sounds like she is better off without him. I'm greatful for my relationship with my wife and I get everything I need from her. I am alway racing from work to home to be with my family. I just don't understand people like that.
ReplyDeleteDarrell
Wow, I really feel for her. It won't be at all easy and I sure hope she manages at work to keep ends meeting.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, hearing about stuff like that really does put it in perspective.
Having a full and overflowing plate is just plain stressful. I feel for your fellow worker, but it sounds like she will be better off alone than staying with him....debbie
ReplyDeleteWow! That is terribly sad for the woman :( And you are lucky, yes--as they say, I'd rather have my hands completely full, than empty...better to have rich life full of stuff to do than nothing at all.
ReplyDeleteWow. There really is a difference between the full plate that we fill ourselves with tasks that make us feel good in the end, and a plate that is rudely filled to over-capacity by someone else who creates problems and sorrows to bring us down. What a rough time for your co-worker. I hope things work out for her quickly, and she can fill her own plate with more joy.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDelete