Business
Put Your Family First and Leave Pride Aside
In a society that often places a premium on success and social status, it can be difficult to set aside our pride and do what is necessary to provide for our loved ones. Pride can be a significant barrier to making the sacrifices needed to ensure our families are taken care of. Whether it’s working a low-paying job, taking side hustles, or making difficult career choices, the pressure to maintain a certain image and social status can weigh heavily on individuals, hindering them from doing what is best for their families.
One notable example is that of an actor I encountered in Paris. He had secured minor roles in significant films, all thanks to his friendship with a well-known actor. However, his pride led him to pursue larger roles, and as a result, he hasn’t been seen in a single movie since. This example serves as a reminder of how pride can often get in the way of practical matters, such as providing for our families.
For working parents, the struggle to balance providing for the family and spending quality time with children is exceptionally challenging. The persistent guilt of not dedicating enough time to one’s career and simultaneously feeling absent for the children can be overwhelming. In the case of a single-income household living paycheck-to-paycheck, the pressure to provide becomes even more daunting. A salute to all single parents out there who are tirelessly making ends meet.
In such challenging circumstances, it becomes imperative to set aside our pride. We must do whatever is necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of providing for our loved ones. Although unglamorous, taking small roles keeps food on the table. If you keep grinding away, better things will eventually come along.
While my story might be different from yours, a common theme shines through. Shame and embarrassment often creep in when we engage in jobs deemed to be “low status.” I, too, have felt pride get in the way of doing what was necessary to provide for my family. As a teenager, working as a cashier at McDonald’s was a source of shame for me. I felt embarrassed about being seen in the uniform, succumbing to the pressures of high school social dynamics. Reflecting as an adult, I find it absurd that I once felt ashamed about working.
Similarly, driving for Uber to supplement our income brought up feelings of embarrassment and shame. Despite skepticism from others, I have no qualms about doing what’s necessary. Two particular rides stand out, where I felt a sense of shame and embarrassment due to my previous high-level occupation.
The desire for status makes us feel less than, and it’s essential to recognize and address these feelings. At times, we need to engage in exposure therapy, taking on challenging experiences to overcome our pride and fear of judgment. Accepting that nobody will save you, and therefore, you must save yourself is essential when it comes to being a responsible person or parent.
By exposing ourselves to situations that challenge our pride, we can become better equipped to navigate life’s hurdles. Mental training for fatherhood and understanding the importance of embracing the struggles can significantly impact our approach to providing for our families.
At this crucial stage in my children’s lives, it’s imperative to showcase, through actions rather than just words, the significance of frugality, saving, and hard work. Children are keen observers of their parents, adopting their behaviors and embracing their philosophies. As a former FIRE parent, balancing enjoying wealth and teaching financial responsibility to my kids is a tough challenge. Returning to work in some capacity, while concurrently embodying frugal habits, serves as a means to involve them in a financial journey.
Reader Questions About Overcoming Pride:
– Have you ever felt embarrassed or ashamed of doing a job that might be deemed “low status”? If so, how did you overcome your pride?
– Why do some people look down on people working low-wage jobs? Shouldn’t we be rooting for them for doing the work instead of complaining why life isn’t fair?
Ultimately, pride should never stand in the way of taking care of our families. No matter the job or side hustle, setting aside our pride to ensure the well-being of our loved ones is a commendable pursuit. As responsible individuals and parents, priorities should always lean towards providing for our families, regardless of the job’s status. It’s essential to remember that no one else gets to live your life, and as individuals, it’s crucial to do whatever it takes to achieve the financial freedom desired.