This is good food for thought! I know I’ve been the friend in the past who canceled plans because of work.
There are a few reasons I think people do this. First, we live in a capitalistic society. Deep down, we know work isn’t the most important thing, but that can be difficult to remember when everything around us is telling us the opposite. Second, friends are typically more understanding than bosses. Sometimes, it’s easier to gently let down a friend than it is to stand up at work — especially in an environment when your job might feel precarious. And third, there are some industries that are especially demanding and unpredictable. Back when I was in the position of canceling plans with friends for work, I worked at CNN leading a relatively small team. It was always because there was a major breaking news situation and I had to cover a shift. These days, as a freelancer and my own boss, I’m so very happy to be able to put friends — and family, and myself! — before work.
Thank you Katie for reading and sharing your thoughts! It's always a pleasure to hear from you. 😊 And I am so glad you're at a place now where you can put the people you love before work. It's such a wonderful place to be in!
This is good food for thought! I know I’ve been the friend in the past who canceled plans because of work.
There are a few reasons I think people do this. First, we live in a capitalistic society. Deep down, we know work isn’t the most important thing, but that can be difficult to remember when everything around us is telling us the opposite. Second, friends are typically more understanding than bosses. Sometimes, it’s easier to gently let down a friend than it is to stand up at work — especially in an environment when your job might feel precarious. And third, there are some industries that are especially demanding and unpredictable. Back when I was in the position of canceling plans with friends for work, I worked at CNN leading a relatively small team. It was always because there was a major breaking news situation and I had to cover a shift. These days, as a freelancer and my own boss, I’m so very happy to be able to put friends — and family, and myself! — before work.
Thank you Katie for reading and sharing your thoughts! It's always a pleasure to hear from you. 😊 And I am so glad you're at a place now where you can put the people you love before work. It's such a wonderful place to be in!