The Cost-Therapy Equation

Hi all...

After years of emotionally exhausting research, I have finally identified the cost-therapy equation.  It is an important theory for all who have to get up in the morning and go to work.

Here is part of how I identified it.  Before I left for Japan, Jennifer had to quit her job in order to be, in effect, a single parent.  Her job required full-time hours, lack of sleep, some weekends away, and a lot of logistical challenge working with one car and kids going to school far from the house.  She could not do that with me gone.

After I got back, Jennifer started a new job.  The hours were only part-time, and we took a net pay cut of ~$2500/year.  The hours, as I said, were part-time.  I usually pick up the kids from school one day a week, though her schedule would allow it.  She is home nights.  She has been gone for a total of three weekends.

To understand the cost-therapy equation, you have to ask the following question: does the amount of money being earned pay for the therapy you need as a result of your job?  I can tell you - the extra ~$2500/year Jennifer brought in did not cover the therapy we needed as a result of her job.

The challenge to this equation is the other side.  Sometimes, a bad job pays for therapy.  We need to pay bills.  The inability to do that can often yield more stress than the lousy working circumstances.  Having watched many people deal with the angst of unemployment, there is a limit to the tongue-in-cheek nature of this blog entry.

Have a good day all.

R/SCG