What is “work ethic”?

I’ve often struggled with what the meaning of “work ethic” is. I hear people (especially other men) talk about always “needing” something to do. Is that what it is? Can it be as simple as working when necessary to provide for your family?

Since my wife and I started our family, I’ve worked pretty steadily (except when we’ve attempted an alternative path) and I feel pretty good about that, but I also struggle with the idea that a man should work as much as possible, sometimes in conflict with his family life, in order to provide for his family.

Growing up, I know my dad worked quite a bit, but I also know that he was often too tired to take as much of an interest in my life as I (and I’m sure he) would’ve liked. What is the net-gain to working too much to attend “parent/teacher conferences”?

I’ve personally come to the conclusion that money doesn’t attend those conferences (along with all the other school functions), and that I would rather work enough to keep the bills paid, but I’ve given up on getting rich from the “9 to 5”.

Life is lived in the margins of what society tends to tell us (at least the old-school society many of us grew up knowing). Life is about balance. Do you know your kids? Does your wife feel abandoned?

I don’t think perfect balance is ever really achieved, but all we can do is strive to find it, right?

Balance is all about constantly gauging the needs of your family and doing your best (with the counsel of your spouse) to keep food on the table, a roof over your heads, and enough money in the bank to provide for at least a minimal level of comfort.

Perfection is a futile endeavor, but as men… as parents, we must never give up on trying to find where that balance is, for our individual lives and individual families.