Well, I have finally taken a huge step to ensure my work life balance is where it should be. Let me explain, I work for a large retail organisation but have been part time for the last 10 years whilst raising my children. However, I have worked very hard and proved my worth against my " male " counterparts and risen to the top. In September I was the only candidate out of around 40 managers to be selected to go forward to a store manager training programme. I was thrilled and very proud of myself. However, at the same time my family were dealt a devastating blow but I thought I could handle it. I had been working around 25 miles from home and travelling was taking anything from 40 mins to over an hour to and from work. This, working in a difficult store, little time with family and dogs, and the crisis within the family was taking its toll and I was starting to struggle. My work was suffering and I was not performing. My pride was telling me to continue but I knew something had to change. It was not fair on my gilrs. So a few weeks ago I arranged a meeting with my regional manager and informed him I wanted to be removed from the development programme and be transferred back nearer to home to a small store. As he told me it could end my chances of future promotion, I thought yes, but I will get my life back. I am sooooo relieved. It is like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can start to plan quality time with my family again. Instaed of travelling 50 miles a day I will be doing 50 miles a week!!!
Career isn't everything, family is...............
Sorry for rambling on but I wanted to share this

Excellent decision! It took me nearly 10 years to get the balance right and as you know it is worth it.

You clearly did the right thing if you feel a huge weight has been lifted.
Careers are all well and good but if it comes to the point where you're missing your family etc then i think thats the time to re assess.
Peoples priorities are all different. Now you're priorities are sorted im sure you'll be much happier. Some people you work with wont see it like that though so be prepared for a few questions!
I worked in a retail organisation and all the people that made it high up had no commitments. They offered me a job as trainee manager and suddenly this lightbulb flicked on above my head and i thought "what am i doing" i handed my notice in the following week. A manager did my exit interview and wanted to know why i was leaving so i told him - theres more to life than earning money for a multinational company. I want to appreciate my life and the things in it, not being stuck inside a shop 8 hours a day for the next 20 years when i suddenly realise ive missed my chance to have a fmily and children. Work is a big part of life but not my top priority"
Fair play to you for making the decision. And 50 miles a day to 50 miles a week is enought to swing it for anyone!!!

Good for you!  I work part time now and yes I miss the money and I have to do without things, but on a sunny day I can get out to the beach or golf course with my dog or sit in the garden or have time to do my hobbies.  You can be successful in life without having to be a high earning high flyer.  Indeed, I think to be truly happy with your life is being a success :)  I doubt you will ever regret your decision.

CG

Well done for doing something you knew felt right.  I was in a very similar position (not as high up as you though!!).  I took on a little temporary christmas part time job in Sept 05, also at a large uk store, so we had a little extra month for Christmas.  It wasnt too bad as my husband was home (on extended leave for 4 months).  After Christmas, I got kept on and made permanent member of staff, same amount of hours but in the evenings as hubby had gone back to work.  Just after Easter, there was a team leaders job advertised, full time and I felt I could do it so after sitting down and working out finances (childcare required) etc I applied and in June I got the job.  It was going alright, although things were a struggle at home (with 4 children, one of whom was only 3).  The hours I worked though werent designed for those with family as I started at 11 most days and finished at 8 pm which meant I only saw my children for an hour at breakfast time.  By the time I got home at 9ish they would all be in bed.

I loved the job and the responsibility that came with it and I was doing over and above what was expected and learning different aspects that I didnt need to, just because I was enjoying it.  However, not seeing my family was really hard and I was starting to feel guilty for just going to work.  I had been doing this new role for 6 months before I decided I had to call it a day.  I was offered a part time position again just as an advisor again but personally for me I couldnt do this after being a team leader at the same store and there wasnt an option of transferring to another.  Like you, the day I left, a huge weight shifted and to be honest I havent looked back since.  I am currently looking at the option of studying and doing a course but this I can work in and around the children going to school.

Sometimes, you just know when the time is right to change.

Well done !!!   You are right , family matters - work doesn't .

We need to work to live not live to work :D

Well done ! :-)

Working (part time) where I do is a sure way to confirm that life is for living not for working yourself into any kind of tiz.
We all need to earn cash to get by, and that is all that I will ever aspire to.

Karen.