Today at work I had a discussion with a co-worker about how we're going to both take time off when our new little one comes along. It was confusing because mentally we were both trying to optimize for something totally different. Laura and I try to optimize for time off, ideally together as a family. My co-worker was trying to optimize for money. He didn't understand why I didn't pressure / encourage Laura to go back to work as soon as possible. The idea had never crossed my mind and just seemed so... foreign.
Some times I don't get people. After being able to pay for a roof over my head, food on the table and basic transportation, all the rest is gravy. (note: I'll admit we don't have "basic" home / food / transportation... we added some gravy). The only thing that is impossible to buy is time. Time to go back, do it again, play with your kids, etc.
When I hear someone say "I need a fast internet connection." No, that's a want. Very different. Do you need a super fast connection so 4 different people in your home can watch netflix at the same time? Pah. Maybe rationalizing it as a need makes it feel that it justifies the cost. But it's important to separate the two and know which is which.
It just boggles my mind that people aren't trying to maximize how much time they can spend with their family. Those moments are all we have. In the end they will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
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