The Costs of Getting Ahead

This week in class, we had an assignment to read about families who immigrated to the United States from Mexico. The study considered the costs of trying to make a better life for themselves. Moving to a new country and making a new life meant consequences on the family. Many children mourned because both of their parents worked a lot and they were lonely. One husband compared coming home from work while living in Mexico and coming home from work in the United States. He said in Mexico he came home to a warm house but in the U.S. he came home to a cold house because before, his wife was there and had prepared food for the family to eat together and his children were there. Now, his wife was at work and the children left the house to find other things to do.

This study made me consider the costs of getting ahead for my family. Both of my parents work full-time. This prevents us from spending time together. I wish my mom could come visit me at school, but it's hard because of her job. When I am living at home six months out of the year, I wish she could come to the beach with us, but she is busy. I am used to my dad not being around a lot, but my mom is my best friend.

Because of this homework assignment, I asked my mom if she really had to work. Is having more money worth not spending more time as a family? Is there a way we could cut expenses so that only one parent works? Could we move to a less expensive state?

I realize that it is important to consider our priorities and make sure all of the members in our family are happy and feel loved and cared for, particularly through spending quality time together.

In the words of a wise man, "Love is really spelled T-I-M-E." - David A. Bednar