Balancing Act: Juggling Work Commitments with Family Gatherings

A 35-year-old working mom is getting hit with the same impossible weekend twice, and her family is not buying the “it’s for work” excuse. Monthly gatherings are supposed to be the one time everyone, her siblings, her parents, her cousins, can actually be in the same room and catch up.

But last month, she had a crucial work presentation on the exact day of the family event, and she had no way to move it. She skipped the gathering, and her mom called her out hard, saying she’s prioritizing work over family and teaching her kids the wrong lesson. Her siblings piled on too, because they look forward to these weekends.

And then it happened again this month, same weekend, another major work commitment, and the family dinner did not wait for her to be done.

Original Post

So, I'm a 35-year-old working mom with two kids, and balancing family time with work commitments is always a struggle. For background, my family usually has monthly gatherings on weekends, and everyone, including my siblings, parents, and cousins, attend these to catch up and bond.

Recently, due to some important work projects, I've had to work on weekends occasionally. Last month, on the same day as our family gathering, I had a crucial work presentation that I couldn't miss.

I decided to skip the family event to focus on work. This decision upset my mom, who felt I was prioritizing work over family.

She called me out, saying that I'm neglecting family time and setting a bad example for my kids. My siblings also expressed disappointment, as they look forward to these gatherings.

Fast forward to this month, and I have another major work commitment on the same weekend as our family gathering. Due to the nature of my job, rescheduling the meeting isn't an option, and I'll have to miss another family event.

I understand their perspective, but work is also crucial for our financial stability. So, AITA for repeatedly missing family gatherings due to work commitments?

I feel torn and unsure how to navigate this delicate balance. Really need outside perspective.

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This is similar to the single mom who missed her daughter’s school play for a work meeting.

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Last month, her mom and siblings were already upset after she missed the gathering for that non-reschedulable presentation.

Now this month, the second missed weekend is landing right on top of another family gathering everyone planned around.

Her family is hearing “financial stability” as “you don’t care,” even though her job deadlines are literally the reason she cannot reschedule.

So when she wonders if she’s the asshole for skipping again, the real tension is between a monthly tradition and a work calendar that never bends.

What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.

At this rate, the only thing getting consistently scheduled is her absence.

For another holiday-weekend blowup, see the woman debating whether to skip her holiday tradition for a work deadline.