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Originally Posted by JumpinJesus
We have a friend in Chicago who works very long hours. He called us on a Friday night once at 10:30pm to tell us that he wouldn't be able to make it to a dinner we had planned because he was working. He didn't leave his office until after 1 and then even went in on Saturday at 10 am. We would watch movies, and he would read emails on his blackberry, then respond to them. He would then sometimes leave at 9 at night to go back to work to respond to a phone call. We asked him once how in the hell he did this and he said, "They pay me a hell of a lot of money to be available at all times." He then later admitted that he never got to enjoy the money he made because he was always at work. He joked that he'd have a hell of a retirement though but would then say that he probably wouldn't live to enjoy it because of work stress.
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Since you and I never met when you were here, I cannot claim to be this guy. But we sound a lot alike. I am constantly available to my clients. It is the norm. The very structure of my business dictates that I be available should someone need something last minute. I would be embarrassed to admit how much I make.
That said, I am sure that many people notice how often I am on TFP. And that I travel extensively. I often read threads while on the phone with clients. I find ways to enjoy life. I saw Max's first real steps and have been to about 75% of his doctor's appointments in his entire 19-month life. I made phone calls in the delivery room the day he was born.
Appearances are of singular importance. The appearance of working harder than your competetion means that you do - whether it's true or not. A few well-timed phone calls and emails give the appearance that I am constantly working. Most of my friends believe it's true, but there are downsides. I am at the office 11 hours a day, if I'm in town. I haven't had a real vacation since my honeymoon. Then again, I'm going to Napa on Monday with my wife for 3 days for a company outing that doesn't count as vacation, but we're staying at a resort and hanging out the entire time. Work will be done, but fun will be had.
Smoke and mirrors are wonderful things.