Money vs Family

Here's a question for you. I was told the other day, by someone that I won't mention, that when it comes down to it, I need to figure out what is more important to me; money, or family. So I had to think about this for a while. Having money means being able to provide for my family and give them all the things that they want as well some things for myself. It also provides a roof over our heads and a light to read a book. We can't survive without it, we need it.

But then I thought about the rest of my family and close friends that all live in another state. What if something happens to them and I am not around to let them know how I feel about them before something really bad happens? What becomes more important then? The family with me now and the rest of the family that has been there my whole life, or money?

Why should anyone need to make that kind of decision? I need both of them. One of them is more important than the other, to me anyways. Family will always be number one. But when it comes down to it, no one can survive without some kind of earned income in the world today. Well, I say that loosely. I know a few people that are able to survive off income that is not earned by them, but they leaned how to play the system and hurt others that used to be close to them in the process. That is a whole other story though for another day.

The point here is, in a nutshell, there should be nothing more important than family. We should all do our parts to support our families and provide for them no matter what. Too many people lose sight of the most important things in life and they will do whatever they need to, in order to survive the way that their selfish selves want to, no matter who it is that they knock down on the way. Money is important, but not that important.

There are some people out there that need to take a serious look at themselves and the things that they have done to make them who they really are. Most of them won't do it though and they will continue to stab knives in backs and continue to hurt other people, just so long as they get what they want. The fact is, they don't see it as them doing anything wrong and they feel as if they are the victim. They can honestly believe their own lies and manipulation. They do it so often that they truly start to believe it themselves.

There may not be any help for these people and honestly would they accept it if it was offered? I really don't think so. But for you sane people out there when it really does come down to it, family is more important. But you will find that money is always and will always be around and needed, but the next time you are kissing your wife or wife to be, playing with your kids, painting a room for your grandparents, or gathering around for Thanksgiving dinner, look around and see if you can spot what really puts the smile on your face.

Let's Take a Walk Through My Head

I was just sitting here at work thinking about how it is that I came to be where I am today and where I would like to be. My job is OK I guess. I get paid decent and really, the job is easy. The only problem is that I started this job right out of high school and only did it for the money. I also waited 9 years to go to college.

In no way shape or form did I ever imagine myself where I am today. I never thought that I would be living in the city I live in, I never thought I would have the job that I have, and I never thought I would spend my days daydreaming of better things. That could be the problem, I never thought. I thought about the things I always wanted to do but I never planned them out to make them happen. Every time I was close to making something happen, I would screw it up somehow. Except for the wonderful woman that I have. I almost screwed that one up too but luckily saved it somehow.

So now I want all those things that I wanted when I was young, and more, but they are still out of my reach. What does it take to get these things? Patience, opportunity will knock someday? I'm almost out of patience. Here I am 29 years old and the only thing I have to show for my life is a wonderful woman. Don't get me wrong, that is enough to bring me up when I am down. But what about the rest of our lives? Kids, marriage, what then? I will work harder than ever to give them the things that they want and the life that they want, only to achieve a minimum for myself. Is that they way my life was planned?

I know that if you want something you need to go out and get it, but how come everything is so damn hard to obtain? Maybe I'm just blabbing nonsense here but I have to get it off my chest. Here I set at work everyday dreaming of something more. Dreaming of the perfect life where money is not a problem and I am happy at my job, where I live, and everything else. This is not for me and it was never meant for me, but it is what I have. Somehow, things need to change.

I also know that I am not alone here. There are thousands of people that did not expect to be where they are, and really, just don't like where they are. Somehow we all make the best of whatever is thrown at us, no matter the obstacle. Strange how things work out in life. So with all this said, what then is success? Is it one of those philosophical words that has no meaning other than what you yourself make of it? In other words, what is success to you? If so, then I am not successful.

This whole thing might not make any sense to you but it makes sense to me. Just trying to figure things out. Funny thing is, I have been trying to figure things out for about 15 years now.

Writers go on Strike

What now? $200,000 annually is not enough? So far it is only the late night shows such as Letterman and Leno. If the strike continues then it could be just about all those television shows that you love to watch and make an event out of it every week. What will you do without the life lessons that you learn on Greys Anatomy? Who will win the Survivor challenge? Maybe this strike is a sign to bring people back into doing things that our elder reletives did, read books. Most likely not though, people will turn to the internet and YouTube. Some people might be fascinated by what it is that they actually find on the internet. Real life things that are really happening in the world today. Who'd a thought?

Instead of watching some fictional story about some fictional event that might happen to some people in the world but will never happen to them, they will be forced to learn about the real stuff that is going on in the world. Did you people know that we are still at war in Iraq? Do you even know who is running for President?

Lets look at it from the writers prespective for a minute and ponder that. From what I know this strike is about management and internet royalties for their shows. There is probably more to it than that, but that is what I know so that is what I am basing my judgement on. We have all been in their shoes. We are little people trying to survive in "Corporate America" working for the man just to be able to pay rent or a mortgage. The big boys make all the big bucks and it seems they haven't a clue about what it is that we go through on a daily basis to make ends meet. To be honest, they don't care. When they get that big they only care about themselves and what type of Bently they will be purchasing next.

In this way, I hope these writers send a message to those corporate A holes and make them think about it. But what about when the strike is over? Is a writers strike a big enough message to send out to "Corporate America"? No it is not. These writers are talented and some of them good at what they do, but the fact is, they are replaceable. In fact, I would replace them in a heart beat. Sure I wouldn't be as good as most of them, but I would do it and I would do it for less than what they get paid. To be a Hollywood writer is a dream for a lot of people and I bet all those networks are getting bombarded by resumes of people that want to get in the business right now.

So when you ponder the writers strike while surfing the internet because the only thing that is on television is re-runs of old worn out shows like MASH and Full House, think about not just the writers strike, but why they are doing it. It may help you figure out just where you want to be in the future and help you to realize that no matter who they are, CEO, President of the organization, VP of tech, etc. Remember this, no matter what an organization titles them, they are just people like you and I trying to make it through each day alive. For more see Business Week at the link.
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