Would you earn less to have time for your kids?

While some people give up their career or earn less to have enough time to nurture and take good care of their children, others would rather spend less time with their children in order to make more money to afford the bills for the ‘best’ for their children. LifeXtra takes a glimpse at different perspectives.

In the words of Rory Vaden, “in business, what you don’t get done today can be done tomorrow; but with family, what doesn’t get done today is gone forever.”

Hadiza Zanna, 38-year-old resident of Kano, said that spending more time with her child makes her keenly aware of her child’s unique needs; she ensures her baby is getting everything she needs. “Family is everything to me; I would rather earn less and have time for my daughter.

Adaku Ofor, 43-year-old nurse in Umuahia, said the nature of her job requires so much of her attention; notwithstanding, she does everything within her powers to have time for her children. “If I would be honest with you, I place my job above my family. It is not because I don’t love my children, but there are basic needs I must meet as a parent and I am sure that through my work, I can provide for my family.”

Adeshina Oluwaseun, 49-year-old teacher based in Ibadan, said that as a man, the welfare of his children is the most important thing to him. “I decided to choose the teaching profession so I can have enough time for my kids.”

Ewaje Kingsley, an administrator who just put to bed, said, “we spend precious hours fearing the inevitable; in fact my experience in the labour room has open my eyes. Children are precious and priceless gift from God, it would be wise to use more time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.

“What I now realize is that if you want to be a great parent, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. Instead, all you really have to do is give up at most five years of your career to make things happen,” she added.

Omale Jeremiah, 25-year-old resident of Warri, said she aspires to be a career woman, and would not stop at anything to reach the peak of her career. “As much as I would play my role as a mother to birth and care for my children, it would not stop me from getting to the peak of my career; I don’t want my children to grow up and become ashamed of their mother. I want my children to be proud of the caliber of woman and mother I would be. I would try to strike a balance between my work and family, but if more money comes I wouldn’t mind spending extra hours at work.”

Babs Aino, 52-year-old Abuja taxi driver, said his family is all he has. “Even if I work up to 4pm and notice that my wife or children would be home by that time, so long as I have gotten the money to feed us for that day, I am satisfied. I will return home to be with them because at my age, I have realized that only the living can spend time and money with loved ones.”