In his reply to a post's request, I read Chef Jacob mention something about being "sold out until after New Years," and his not being able to dedicate anytime to respond due to higher priority responsibilities. I always notice his wedding band, and it makes me feel... well, it elicits a myriad of mixed emotions (not about him - about work & relationships).
...the aforementioned viewing triggered some thoughts.
I booked my clients for 212.9 hours from Dec. 16th to Jan.2, and typically I work about 150 - 180 hours in each 1-15th or 16-31 billing period. Amid the many years of this odyssey forcing through sleep deprivation and high stress work production, I personally, have to juggle caring for my dog... and keeping a long term girlfriend content. At this point, she and I have been together, on & off, for 7 years... the off mostly from the frustrations she experiences from my extreme work regimen. Now, I recognize food service professionals, such as Chef Jacob, are obligated to extreme regimens similar to mine although I don't know of many. The level of exhaustion I entertain leaves me in a state whereas I am emotionally unavailable for anyone, including myself, I never see or do anything outside of the scope of work or work related research and projects, and on the occasion I'm not at work I am in a recuperative comatose state. Compounded by often working out of state, it makes all relationships outside of the workplace difficult... to say the least.
This is my place in life, this is my career. I am gainfully employed, and very thankful to be. I do wonder though how many others will their minds & bodies through absolutely inhumane or more aptly, insane commitments, and how it is you feel about it? What facets of this existence do you find most difficult to conquer?
I am posting this, wondering what answers to the two previous questions will generate, but furthermore, if this will open discussion about broken relationships, mended relationships, and/or the genesis of relationships amid extreme work schedules. Hoping to not get a pissing contest started whereas all I hear is about hours, but the point is relationships amid extreme circumstances. Got a story to tell.?! Got a heart break to share.?! Got some personal experience to expound about that can make those of us tied to our jobs laugh.?!