Purpose

 I read somewhere that a single-working parent works close to 100 hours per week (out of 168 hours). Although I am a single-working parent, it never occurred until I read this article. Post-pandemic, several people have started working from home, at least part-time. It is still working. However, one can save the trouble of driving every day.  I have to drive daily, and my work often takes long hours and weekends and something related to work (although I don't consider science as work,  the fact of the matter is that as a lab head, I have to play several roles, in addition, to be a scientist, which is often tedious and not much enjoyable). 

Inspired by this, I did a calculation for myself. I have regular work hours (8 hours), plus additional work I have to do at home(~ 1.5 hours). Direct parental work (such as meal prep, spending time with my child, etc..) is 5 hours. Driving to work + school drop off pick up takes ~ 60 min. Work out (which I don't consider as relaxation) is ~30 min.  The remainder is 8 hours (ideal sleep time). That is an 80-hour work week. The weekend is almost gone with taking the child to various activities, groceries, laundry, cleaning, and other chores. In addition, I do my professional work (writing and reading) on weekends, too).

I still feel guilty because I am late on some important work and projects. I do not see a way I can catch up with it or accomplish it at a pace that someone without a child-caring responsibility or a supporting partner can do. Should I feel exhausted or burned out? Should I compromise somewhere? Am I supposed to feel tired and frustrated?

Fortunately, I haven't felt that way yet. Yes, my job is as taxing as running your own company regarding raising funds, paying and managing people, and selling your products. However, I do not often feel it is a job. I am contributing to a bigger purpose of the universe, where I get to share my knowledge and creativity to solve nature puzzles and, in doing so, hopefully, contribute to making someone's life better one day and making this world better. I share my wisdom to train the next generation of scientists and citizens, thereby helping fellow beings. By raising a responsible, morally aware human, I contribute to the stability of society. 

These thoughts remind me of the book I read a while ago by Victor Frankl,  "Mans Search for Meaning." The main drive for humans is having a sense of purpose. When we feel needed and someone else benefits from our existence, we naturally feel a responsible compulsion to do what is needed. What we do, with that mindset, doesn't feel like a job to earn money, but it becomes the purpose of our life. I am not alone; I know many people do their jobs with the utmost dedication and drive, with a sense of helping someone through their work. That is the main objection I have with the current situation where people get emails indicating that their services, in fact, are dispensable. It could be demeaning and repulsive for anyone who works with a sense of purpose and drive. Life is way beyond any of our lives. Let us respect that.