This a timely topic as the American middle class continues to disappear from the economic landscape. There are plenty of jobs out there but a full-time one is less likely to support a family.
A multitude of dads are really having a tough time. If you can relate, you may feel worthless, like a failure, depressed and angry. There’s the temptation to disconnect from your family and even engage in risky behavior to escape your crummy situation.
Your job may be the best out there but if you can’t provide for your family with it, eventually, you’ll struggle to maintain quality work. There’ll be too many financial stressors that overshadow doing a great job.
This is the most stressed breadwinner dads have been for generations. But what can be done?
Here are a few ideas but don’t stop there. You owe it to yourself and your family to do what it takes.
Cut Your Commute
Even a twenty-minute commute to work each way adds up to over a solid month of 40-hour work weeks where you’re doing nothing but driving!
That’s on top of the solid year of work you’ll already be doing.
That’s not all, though. You’ll also spend thousands of dollars in gas and auto repairs. The money you spend on your commute is immediately subtracted from your income along with taxes, lessening your earning potential.
Unless you work an unusually hazardous job, this is also the most dangerous part of your day. You are far more likely to be injured on the way to and from work than at your job.
Are you driving far away for a higher paying job that stresses you out like crazy? Do the math and decide if you’re better off with a lower-paid job closer to home.
The results of your quick study may shock you. Cut down on your commute and you’ll save money, time and be safer. This adds up to less stress and more positive family influence.
Work Remotely
There’s a huge shift in the job world that simply wasn’t possible before the internet age.
The number of dads (and moms) who work from home continues to increase.
This is a great thing for many dads. You completely cut out the time and expenses of a commute.
Your day also becomes more than punching a clock or mandatory overtime. Instead, you’re focused solely on the quality of hours you work.
This means you work when you’re most productive and that you can pick your own hours.
Doctors appointments, illness and unforeseen life events can be worked through without so much fear that you’ll lose your job by taking too much time off.
You’ll also get much more interaction with your spouse and children.
Is this lifestyle a cakewalk? Hardly.
Still, many dads find remote work to be more of a dance than a 9-to-5 dirge.
Create A Job
Does your pay stink? Do you dread long hours in a toxic environment?
Maybe you look at the job listings in despair finding nothing that suits you. It could be time to create your own job.
Again, this isn’t easy but more dads are finding freedom by creating a job that isn’t at the mercy of micromanagement and corporate cuts. Perhaps you could start a business that involves remote work.
Summing It Up
Other ways to reduce your stress should be considered, too. Some include consistent physical exercise and sleep, a healthy hobby and a good support system.
Know that you’re not alone in your struggle, men. Keep trying until you find what works best to ease your stress. Schedule your appointment online using our online scheduling tool, call us at (949) 393-8662, or text us.
