A small touching story mainly for professionals...
A man came home from work late, tired, and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
SON: "I just want to know... Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make Rs.100 an hour."
SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?"
The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard every day for such childish behavior."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man.
"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the Rs.50 you asked for."
The little boy sat up straight, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.
"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have Rs.100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?
Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.
It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.
Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.
From India, Bangalore
A man came home from work late, tired, and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
SON: "I just want to know... Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make Rs.100 an hour."
SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?"
The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard every day for such childish behavior."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man.
"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the Rs.50 you asked for."
The little boy sat up straight, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.
"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have Rs.100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?
Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.
It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.
Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.
From India, Bangalore
Dear Mr. Vinay,
This is indeed a touching story, but it happens almost in every professional's life. The working environment and pressure force us to stay back at the office after office hours to complete tasks, making us reach home late and miss such enjoyable moments.
Nice posting, Vinay.
Regards,
L. Kumar
From India, Madras
This is indeed a touching story, but it happens almost in every professional's life. The working environment and pressure force us to stay back at the office after office hours to complete tasks, making us reach home late and miss such enjoyable moments.
Nice posting, Vinay.
Regards,
L. Kumar
From India, Madras
That was simply amazing, Mr. Vinay, and indeed a thought-provoking story. 😢 But then the problem still remains unsolved. I guess it's because we take our family and friends for granted, but we cannot even think of taking our professional lives and careers for granted. Maybe that is the reason we aspire to win the race and keep struggling day and night, no matter how hard it may seem.
Regards,
PINKII
From India, New Delhi
Regards,
PINKII
From India, New Delhi
hi, for those who are working in private sector it is not a story. the question is not asked by his / her child; but by many. it touched me too much. thanks
From India, Madras
From India, Madras
Stories are touching when they reflect the inner desire in all of us. The desire to be with family alone doesn't end our battle for materialistic gain. It is a known fact that responsibility and accountability are directly proportional to the money that you earn.
BPO customer care executives, medical representatives, and clerks of all categories still go home on time. The only difference is he/she may earn Rs100 for 4 hours. When most of you would fall into the category of Rs100-RsN per hour, then definitely this story will remain a desire for as long as you wish to be in that "POSITION," that "CAR," that "OFFICE CABIN," that "CTC," etc.
The answer lies within... you want to thrust ahead or slow down, the choice is between a career (don't confuse with job) and sacrifice (this is my view).
From India
BPO customer care executives, medical representatives, and clerks of all categories still go home on time. The only difference is he/she may earn Rs100 for 4 hours. When most of you would fall into the category of Rs100-RsN per hour, then definitely this story will remain a desire for as long as you wish to be in that "POSITION," that "CAR," that "OFFICE CABIN," that "CTC," etc.
The answer lies within... you want to thrust ahead or slow down, the choice is between a career (don't confuse with job) and sacrifice (this is my view).
From India
Sirs,
It is a TOUCHING STORY for professionals. It is indeed concurred by one and all. But let me put some thoughts on it. If you remain in the house for days together, your spouse will get irritated. This practical thing happens in the Indian domestic communities.
Okay, agreed. A son is telling his father to spend some time with the family. If the father does not work, who will take care of him and his family? Moreover, the father who works for the organization/establishment should put his efforts into the growth of the company. If the company is there, we are there. If the company prospers, our standard of living also prospers. Let us not think of this in negative aspects. Let us all work for the company, our nation, and HOME. Why can't we think "WORK IS WORSHIP"? The subject line is good for a filmi line, not in real life. It is my assumption and perception. Please have your say if any.
Regards,
[Email: evprabhu@tkm.co.in]
From India, Bangalore
It is a TOUCHING STORY for professionals. It is indeed concurred by one and all. But let me put some thoughts on it. If you remain in the house for days together, your spouse will get irritated. This practical thing happens in the Indian domestic communities.
Okay, agreed. A son is telling his father to spend some time with the family. If the father does not work, who will take care of him and his family? Moreover, the father who works for the organization/establishment should put his efforts into the growth of the company. If the company is there, we are there. If the company prospers, our standard of living also prospers. Let us not think of this in negative aspects. Let us all work for the company, our nation, and HOME. Why can't we think "WORK IS WORSHIP"? The subject line is good for a filmi line, not in real life. It is my assumption and perception. Please have your say if any.
Regards,
[Email: evprabhu@tkm.co.in]
From India, Bangalore
Dear Vinay,
Very good posting. I always think of such professionals who are deeply involved in work, remuneration, CTC, appraisal, promotion, etc., and who seldom get time to spare good time with their family. You have reminded them of their moral responsibility.
Regards, Madhu.T.K
From India, Kannur
Very good posting. I always think of such professionals who are deeply involved in work, remuneration, CTC, appraisal, promotion, etc., and who seldom get time to spare good time with their family. You have reminded them of their moral responsibility.
Regards, Madhu.T.K
From India, Kannur
Thank you very much for the short story you sent. Even in my life, I am like this, and I promise myself that I will spend time with my dad and mom who are eagerly waiting for me to come home and spend time with them. This story really opened my eyes and heart to the people who truly care and love me.
JAGADISH A G
From India, Bangalore
JAGADISH A G
From India, Bangalore
Nice story, but it is true in our consumerism culture that, mostly, parents do not have time to spend with children due to the desire for promotion, money, maintaining standards, etc. Consequently, children often become distant from their parents.
Arbind Kumar
IPMG (PGDM)
From India, Ahmadabad
Arbind Kumar
IPMG (PGDM)
From India, Ahmadabad
Really very true, Vinay. Hats off to you for delivering such a meaningful message. People are caught up in the fast-paced world, where everyone is focused on money. This emphasizes the importance of showing love and affection to our families. We should make an effort to demonstrate our love and spend quality time with our family members. By doing so, we can prevent our family from falling apart in the future.
All individuals crave affection and love in this world, which is truly priceless.
From India
All individuals crave affection and love in this world, which is truly priceless.
From India
Yes...... Its worth sharing your time with the Family or friends.... cause the whole day goes on the computer......... & end of the day u need them & they need u .... regards Meera
From India, Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Hi Prabhu,
I just wanted to share my views on your thoughts. It's very true that work is worship, but there is a limit to everything. If you have carefully read the story, the little boy is asking for time to have dinner with his dad.
As a responsible employee, one has to work hard to elevate the company to great heights, while also, as a parent, giving time to your child. Each of us has more than one role to play. We need to ensure we balance our lives and strive to excel in all our roles.
The child is not asking the dad to stay home; the child simply wants a little time to spend with his dad. Let's not confuse this with someone coming home early and then sitting at home forever.
Each of us should know how to balance our work and family life. Let's put the dad in the child's shoes. If his wife doesn't give him time and is busy with her work, would he accept that? He would expect her to make time for him while also excelling at work.
In conclusion, I believe each of us should do justice to the roles we play. This is my perspective, and I acknowledge that I may be mistaken.
If anyone has anything to share, please feel free to do so.
Akshatha Karangutkar
akshatha.vishal@gmail.com
From India
I just wanted to share my views on your thoughts. It's very true that work is worship, but there is a limit to everything. If you have carefully read the story, the little boy is asking for time to have dinner with his dad.
As a responsible employee, one has to work hard to elevate the company to great heights, while also, as a parent, giving time to your child. Each of us has more than one role to play. We need to ensure we balance our lives and strive to excel in all our roles.
The child is not asking the dad to stay home; the child simply wants a little time to spend with his dad. Let's not confuse this with someone coming home early and then sitting at home forever.
Each of us should know how to balance our work and family life. Let's put the dad in the child's shoes. If his wife doesn't give him time and is busy with her work, would he accept that? He would expect her to make time for him while also excelling at work.
In conclusion, I believe each of us should do justice to the roles we play. This is my perspective, and I acknowledge that I may be mistaken.
If anyone has anything to share, please feel free to do so.
Akshatha Karangutkar
akshatha.vishal@gmail.com
From India
I agree with you, Akshatha. This story doesn't say to stay at home and forget about your responsibility in the office. It only wants to tell that one should not be too busy with his work so that his family, especially, suffer. No doubt a person earns for his family, but there should be a limit, and family doesn't need money only; they need your time and sometimes your presence.
So do your job with responsibility but do spare some time for the family also.
From India, Ludhiana
So do your job with responsibility but do spare some time for the family also.
From India, Ludhiana
Hi Friends,
Mr. Prabhu is looking at the story from an entirely different perspective, and surely the moral of the story was not "to become reluctant to work" as perceived by Mr. Prabhu. It just puts a question mark on the choices that we make. The hunger for more money, designation, working for a bigger company, etc., is driving us away from our loved ones. It just means to hold your ambitions a bit and go slow so that you may not miss the childhood of your child, love of your spouse, and care of your parents.
Regards,
Yogita
From India, Chandigarh
Mr. Prabhu is looking at the story from an entirely different perspective, and surely the moral of the story was not "to become reluctant to work" as perceived by Mr. Prabhu. It just puts a question mark on the choices that we make. The hunger for more money, designation, working for a bigger company, etc., is driving us away from our loved ones. It just means to hold your ambitions a bit and go slow so that you may not miss the childhood of your child, love of your spouse, and care of your parents.
Regards,
Yogita
From India, Chandigarh
Hey Vinay, ITs really a good story rather a fact of life. I only hope we implement the same in out lives too. Regards, Vinitha
From India, Bangalore
From India, Bangalore
That was really a professional story which every professionals should be aware about this story.
From India, Madras
From India, Madras
:D Hi All!
I read this story before and thought about it… my father was a very busy person, apart from his job he was always busy with his Office Association etc. But nevertheless he was a very loving father. It was by nature he was a workaholic. I am a father now, my daughter is 02+ and very demanding…after my office hours I sometimes feel very irritated and couldn't participate with her play… instead I watch TV :? Tell me now am I doing a right thing? I can't remember one day that my father was playing with me & my brother in our childhood. Now he took his retirement (although he's very busy); I am leaving out of my home country and my brother is away from home too. Can my father get his time back? Can we play with our father as a child?
My message for 3types of Fathers,
1.Too busy Fathers: If you live with motion in your office, try to live with emotion at home.
2.Not that Busy Fathers: You can balance your office & home by giving time in both places as required.
3.Less Busy Fathers: You have achieved a lot from work, now achieve more with your family.
And finally for some people like me :) it's not enough to read & write but we should practice what we say :wink:
Debashish, Kuwait
I read this story before and thought about it… my father was a very busy person, apart from his job he was always busy with his Office Association etc. But nevertheless he was a very loving father. It was by nature he was a workaholic. I am a father now, my daughter is 02+ and very demanding…after my office hours I sometimes feel very irritated and couldn't participate with her play… instead I watch TV :? Tell me now am I doing a right thing? I can't remember one day that my father was playing with me & my brother in our childhood. Now he took his retirement (although he's very busy); I am leaving out of my home country and my brother is away from home too. Can my father get his time back? Can we play with our father as a child?
My message for 3types of Fathers,
1.Too busy Fathers: If you live with motion in your office, try to live with emotion at home.
2.Not that Busy Fathers: You can balance your office & home by giving time in both places as required.
3.Less Busy Fathers: You have achieved a lot from work, now achieve more with your family.
And finally for some people like me :) it's not enough to read & write but we should practice what we say :wink:
Debashish, Kuwait
hi Vinay, beautiful way of bringing out the value of family. ppl r so much into work that thay often forget their family & friends. Gr8 story ya. Regards Preethie
From India, New Delhi
From India, New Delhi
Hi,
I agree that if the company grows, we will also grow. However, at the cost of family and friends, I don't agree with that. I am not saying to spend the whole day with your family, but you can spend a little but good time with your family. It's not possible on a daily basis, but we can do it on weekends. Spend Saturday and Sunday with your family, go for dinner, a movie, etc. Once in a while, your spouse can understand you, but your child can't. Why do companies provide leaves? So that you can spend time for yourself. Use the leaves in a proper way to balance your family and professional life. Your hard work may lead you to success, but at the same time, it may take you away from your family. Both things are crucial, so balance them effectively. Why do we engage in welfare activities in the organization? Because we know the importance of employees in the office. So how can we forget the importance of our family in our life?
Stanley
From India, Vadodara
I agree that if the company grows, we will also grow. However, at the cost of family and friends, I don't agree with that. I am not saying to spend the whole day with your family, but you can spend a little but good time with your family. It's not possible on a daily basis, but we can do it on weekends. Spend Saturday and Sunday with your family, go for dinner, a movie, etc. Once in a while, your spouse can understand you, but your child can't. Why do companies provide leaves? So that you can spend time for yourself. Use the leaves in a proper way to balance your family and professional life. Your hard work may lead you to success, but at the same time, it may take you away from your family. Both things are crucial, so balance them effectively. Why do we engage in welfare activities in the organization? Because we know the importance of employees in the office. So how can we forget the importance of our family in our life?
Stanley
From India, Vadodara
Thanks for posting it again. This was launched as a melodious song on World Space Radio in the Up Country channel. Unfortunately, I never turned on the receiver to hear the singer or the lyric writers' name!
Jeevan
From India, Pune
Jeevan
From India, Pune
It is indeed the need of the hour as nowadays it has become a trend for late sitting. We all know that one of the important issues being discussed today in HR is the work-life balance, and this story is very much related to it. This is a major difference between Indian professionals and European and Japanese professionals. The concept of a 5-day workweek, motivating activities like giving dinner coupons for the family as a reward, or holiday coupons, etc., is a practical approach that is being observed by MNCs and, of course, by good and reputed Indians who realize its value and return.
Thanks, Parwez
From India, Delhi
Thanks, Parwez
From India, Delhi
Hi all,
Thank you for the views and the really good story. Note that only together can we maintain a work-life balance, which will provide a balanced diet. Neither excessive work nor excessive time at home should make us sick.
I hope that members will agree, at least those in the HR Forum.
Thanks,
Tarun
From India, Lucknow
Thank you for the views and the really good story. Note that only together can we maintain a work-life balance, which will provide a balanced diet. Neither excessive work nor excessive time at home should make us sick.
I hope that members will agree, at least those in the HR Forum.
Thanks,
Tarun
From India, Lucknow
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