A foggy day in Chicagoland

Well, I am smack dab in the middle of tax busy season. First major IRS deadline is March 16. Almost halfway through the spring season.  Typical to my client base, I don't really get swingin' until right...about....now. I am also entering the upswing of "wedding busy season".  I am taken aback by all the details, appointments, and timelines that must be considered for this event. For the most part, my limited remaining weekends as a P are booked between work obligations and wedding planning. Not that I am complaining, mind you. 

I have just started reading Atlas Shrugged this past week. I am only 2 chapters in to the 2 inch thick novel, but it has already made me think. Chapter two just scratches the surface of a man who runs his own steel mill and has created a new, better steel. He just had his first major order and the mill is running. Excited about the development and milestone, he walks home full of quiet energy.  Upon arriving home, wife, mom, and brother - all of whom he supports - attack him for not being home earlier, not giving them enough attention, focusing too much on work and the 'simple' new 'tin'.   It is commented that, in their opinion, he feels he is fulfilling his family obligation by providing money. And that just isn't good enough.

I find this concept interesting because it is not an archaic notion.  How many times have you listened to friends, family, or colleagues expressing frustration about each side of this argument? It does beg the question, what is more important, providing much for the family in exchange of availability, or providing less for the family with perhaps more availability?  At what point does the scale tip towards unacceptable? 

It also begs the question of, do we, as family and friends, understand and appreciate what it is our loved ones do at work day to day?