On a career-defining workday, my colleague unexpectedly didn't report to the office. Unfortunately, he had to absent himself to rush his ailing father to the hospital despite the need to deliver a critical presentation that would have determined his promotion.
Was it the right thing to do?
In life, it's important to set your priorities and determine which title holds the most weight for you:
Son/daughter
Parent
Spouse
Friend
Employee
Professional
Businessman
Investor.
In determining the title of your precedence, make this question as your basis:
Who do you live for?
Is it your boss? or your loved ones?
Some people commit the mistake of prioritizing work over personal affairs, to the point that they are willing to miss rare family gatherings for a regular meeting at the office. They forget that the reason why people work is to provide for their loved ones.
While some bosses only value your contribution to the company, your family will unconditionally stick with you through the toughest of times.
Monetary compensation will never commensurate to the precious time spent with loved ones. No matter how much you earn, it would never be enough to get you a time machine.
Each title may be important, but which is your priority?
