The Transition Home

Work is like a stray dog. It is a homeless thing that we might look at it lovingly and enjoy, dispassionately and endure, or spitefully and taunt. But when we're finally done with it, it tends to follow us home. At least that's how I felt on the bus this evening. No matter how much I tried to "shoo" it out of my mind, it kept coming back. It's especially difficult mid-project to snap out of it when I get home and give my wife and kids my full attention. When my mind is split between the two, I'm naturally distracted and impatient. But, I can't say I wasn't warned. Prior to law school, I worked at a law firm and was told that one of the biggest challenges I would face as a corporate husband and father is leaving work at work and being home when I'm home. The transition from work to home would not be easy, and there would be times when I wouldn't be able to sever the two, perhaps even choosing work over home. But, the ability to do it would come if I made a conscious daily effort. It starts as a choice, develops into a habit, and finally becomes an aspect of my character.

I took that advice as a challenge, and set a goal prior to law school to be home for family dinner every night (with exceptions on rare occasions, subject to my wife's veto power). Keeping that goal has made it easier for me to switch gears when I come home or to decline unnecessary distractions from family dinner and evenings together (a practice I'm confident helps professionals draw appropriate ethical lines as well--a post for another day). However, I've still got a long way to go before I would consider it a character trait.