Will work for food...

Dam, you are my HERO.  I hope that I have half the energy you have now.  Golleegeewillakers Batman.  You apparently have the staying power of the Energizer Bunny and then some.  Everything sounds great and you even find the time to play as well.  That truly is amazing - 80 hours OT.  And to think I used to complain about doing an extra 12 hour shift in the hospital ER, that was chump change compared to you.  Take care, Taz

Taz!  Drop yer **** and grab yer socks!  You are in for the ride of your life    You will enjoy achievements beyond your wildest dreams.

Hey Baha, Great  thread. I am a reformed "workaholic" who has spent 25 years crawling up the corporate ladder at the expense of other, more important, things in my life. Don't get me wrong that "providing" for the family is important but I think I got caught up in the ego trip of "feeling important. " This was especially true before WLS since my self esteem  bottomed out after I got super obese. Work was the only thing which made me feel worthwhile. However, while I focused on my career, I let other priorities slip through the crack. As part of my WLS transformation, I came to find how frickin' unbalanced or obsessive of person I am. I think lots of us here on the board can relate to this type of behavior as you said.  I decided to take a look at my life's priorities and get them into balance if possible." As a result, I came up with my own personal "pyramid of life's priorities." I call them the 5 Fs to a successful life and the higher up the pyramid, the more time and energy I need to devote to each F. I now realize that I must spend time on each and not go overboard on one at the expense of another.  Easier said that done, but I be tryin'. At the top of my pyramid (numbero uno) is FAITH in my lord, Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, I am a deadman spiritually which I was when I weighed 500 pounds and stopped attending church.  Level 2 is FITNESS. Without my physical health, all other things suffered since I didn't have the energy to do much of anything other than huff and puff my way to work.  Level 3 is FAMILY & FRIENDS. As my weight climbed, I wasn't able to do the things I needed to be a good husband and father. As a result of a weakened marriage, I have been separated for the past couple of years and am working hard to repair my relationship with my wife. I have also devoted more of my time with my children and the investment is really paying off. Along those lines, I have also rekindled my friendship with several long-time friends which I had ignored over the past 20 years or so. Level 4 is FINANCES or my career if you will. Got's to put the meat on the table but maybe we don't need the new cars or the big screen plasma or.........  At the bottom of the pyramid is FUN. Seems kind of wrong to have it at the bottom but my logic is, if I'm being successful with the other Fs, a fun and fullfilling life will be a byproduct. At the same time, we's gots to have some laughs along the way don't we? Sorry to get preachy and hijack your thread somewhat but I felt compelled to communicate this every so important part of my new post-WLS life. Thanks Boner  

Boner!  Your reply is no "jack"... in fact, it contains exactly the experienced-based information that I was looking for. Unlike you, I was a blue collar worker for most if my life.  The corporate world is new to me, and now opportunities are being offered that were closed to me pre-op.  I had definitely hit the "Fat Ceiling" prior to my weight loss. With the new challenges   come rewards, but also traps and pitfalls.... which I need to avoid at all costs.  Your words of wisdom are what I need in order to do this - THANK YOU 

Hey Baja, I guess I'll throw in my .02. You mentioned you wanted to make sure you and your wife would have a comfortable retirement. What does she really think of you being gone so much? Will all this extra work be worth it if it costs you your marriage? On their death bed, no one has ever said they wished they had spent more time at work. As I said, just my .02, hope I didn't offend. Doug

No offense taken, Doug.... you are expressing my concerns exactly.

While the thrill of advancing my position is exciting, I absolutely want to safeguard my marriage. 

I'm gonna brag a little here 

My wife and I both voiced the opinion recently that we feel that our lives have been truly blessed.  I am 46 for a few more days, she is 47.  We have been married for 3 years, first time for both of us... and we both are childless.  We met via Yahoo personal ad, believe it or not.

She is truly my best friend, and we always have each other's back.  We enjoy the simple things in life.  Have you ever met a lady who's game to travel 100 miles off road to a remote Baja fish camp?   Who will sleep in the back of a truck, help catch trigger fish for dinner, and go without a bathroom for 4 days... crapping in a hole when nature calls?

We have never fought, and rarely exchange cross words.  Both of us would rather forgive the other than have harsh language be exchanged.

We decided to forgo the "opportunity" of buying a 650K Southern California 1970's one-bedroom ****box condo, and the 3k a month ARM associated with it.  I suggested instead that we purchase outright an older mobile home, Denise agreed.  I am no real estate genius, but in light of the housing meltdown here I am glad that we made the decision that we did.... I feel for those that are in foreclosure now. As our lives prospered quickly in the short time that we have been married, and with no ARM mortgage re-setting on us, we were able to have Denise stay home and work our house business.  She insisted on taking a part time job as a crossing guard to pay for her expenses (insurance, car registration, etc...).  And she insists that I concentrate on my work... I am not allowed to touch laundry, dishes, bills, housework, etc.  This allows me to work the hours that I do, without the added stress of dealing with house issues.  And, thanks to Denise, our home runs as smooth as a sewing machine! You may have formed the opinion, from my previous posts, that I can be offensive and unruly.  This is quite true..... but I treat my wife as my Queen. Anyhooo.... what's my point?  I almost lost it in my ramblings, but my point is that I am trying to be very cautious of what effect my profession may have on the thing I cherish the most.  I absolutely need to balance financial rewards with our personal life. And I appreciate the advice and help that I have received here  Chris

You got a keeper there Baja, I'm happy you two found each other! My wife (of 33 years) and I are also best friends. I don't think I could talk her into ****ting in a hole for 4 days, but on the other hand I don't think I could talk myself into doing that either.   Point being we enjoy each others company. Take care bud. Doug

Hey Baja,
I guess I'll throw in my .02. You mentioned you wanted to make sure you and your wife would have a comfortable retirement. What does she really think of you being gone so much? Will all this extra work be worth it if it costs you your marriage? On their death bed, no one has ever said they wished they had spent more time at work. As I said, just my .02, hope I didn't offend.
Doug +100 Doug!