Loving something too much

It is said over and over again that you must seek the career in the field that you love with all your heart. After having come into my current field in law enforcement, I have to say that statement is true. I love what I do, and I love being at work most of the time. Now I have to tell you that I don't like being at work all the time nor do I like what I do a hundred percent of the year. When I compare it with other jobs that I have had over my life I really enjoy law enforcement.

Here is the crux of this entry. Loving your job too much. Can it lead to wanting it more than your own family. Admit it. Most of the time your job is more clearly defined and has defined goals. Family life is messy and does not always have clearly defined goals. At work you have to do certain things everyday and have yearly even monthly goals that can be measured and rewarded. Family life has certain regular routines but often these can be repeated until you are ready to scream without real reward. As far as goals, I challenge anyone to tell me what's the goal of a family. I am not saying that I would trade in my family or that one family is better than another but what is the plan or the goal. Is it getting all the kids through school? Fiscal solvency? Or what is it?

The point is that work has something we might call stability, and family can be a crazy ride that doesn't really end. What is more important? The rewards at work or the rewards at home. In the end, what everyone (looking for that perfect good that defines your life) must understand that you can fall in love with something too much. A job that is perfect for you can define you, but can drive you away from what really matters and that is your family. Jobs may come and they will go, but it goes without saying that no one wishes they had spent more time at the office at the end of life.