BBC NEWS | Business | Ditching the four-hour commute

It's work-life balance week, when workers are supposed to strive for a little more equilibrium in their lives. But is it that easy to do?
According to a survey by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, work commitments mean nearly half of British fathers barely see their children.

BBC News Online spoke to one father who has had success in attaining a work-life balance.

Richard Godivala, 28, works in IT. He ditched his four-hour daily commute to London for a short cycle journey, to nearby Leighton Buzzard. The decision has meant he can spend more time with his two sons, who are now five and three.

I used to commute to London each day. It took two hours each way, which was effectively an extra half days work a day.

It's a question of priorities

Richard Godivala

I was spending no time at home. I had to decide whether it was the job that was important or were the children?

After about six months, I decided it wasn't worth it.

I could earn a lot more in London, but at what cost? It's a question of priorities.

I now work locally. It only takes 20 minutes to cycle from home.

I can go back in later after the children have gone to bed

Richard Godivala

I leave for work at half past eight, drop my son off at school, and am in work for nine.

I leave at half past five and am home for dinner with the family at six every night.

If I need to work late, I can go back in later after the children have gone to bed. I do this several times a month.

My wife gave up work when our first child was born, and she stays at home and looks after our two children, and by her own account is perfectly happy to do so.

When the children are all at school, she may think about getting a part-time job, and maybe make use of her degree.

The children are very happy when I get in from work

Richard Godivala

My father used to commute into London and never saw me when I was growing up, so he moved the family nearer to his job. I've moved the job nearer to my family.

It's not worth the loss. People who don't get their priorities right are going to have some regrets.

Most of the people in my office are here for the same sort of reasons - we all work locally and see our children for dinner.

Children are young for such a short time

Richard Godivala

The children are very happy when I get in from work. It is especially good for two sons, who can see how a man behaves. In the same way that daughters need to see how they should expect a man to behave.

If you really want to spend more time with the children, then sacrifice your lifestyle. Life is all about trade offs and so concentrate on what is important to you.

Children are young for such a short time, and they only grow up once. It's not worth missing that special time in their life.


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