The majority of men in his position would toil on, regardless of health concerns or an impossible schedule that takes them away from their families. Dream jobs don't come easily. As a highly successful college football coach, most men would justify sticking it out even in the face of off-the-field adversity. Yesterday, Urban Meyer, coach for the University of Florida Gators, shocked the sports world by announcing that he would be stepping down from the helm of the fifth ranked team in the country.Perhaps the best response I've seen to this decision came from Meyer's 18-year-old daughter who said, "I get my daddy back." I'm sure Meyer could not hope for sweeter words, which also serve to validate what must have been a very difficult decision. "I saw it as a sign from God that this was the right thing to do," Meyer told The Times of his daughter's reaction. "I was worried about letting people down. I was feeling so awful and concerned about my health. That was among several other signs that said it's time to back away."
He names health concerns (specifically a heart-valve defect) as his main reason for leaving his coaching position, but it is reported that his concerns are not life-threatening. Walking away at this point in his career clearly demonstrates his priorities: family and faith. His commitment is a rare example of striving for excellence in life, not just in the limelight. In an official statement, Meyer mentions the fact that he has been mentoring young men for 20+ years. What better way to continue his mentoring but through his courageous and selfless decision.
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I was 33 and running communications for a huge division of Delta Air Lines in Atlanta when I started having chest pains and panic attacks. I thought I had it all up until that point in my life...but something inside me was telling me in no uncertain terms I needed to take a step back, slow down and relax, enjoy my young family and my life. I had the support of a wonderful woman to help me make the decision to walk away from a six figure job at a crucial point in my career -- and I did just that. Left Delta and Atlanta and returned to Phoenix with no job and no prospects.
ReplyDeleteBut I had my wife and young son and I slowly began to relax and looking back ten years later I can say with certainty that it was the right decision. I love my life now and these past 10 years have been wonderful and well spent with family, friends and doing the things I love. I found a better way to make a living, working for myself, and money has never been an issue (we haven't had a lot, but we've had enough).
I wouldn't trade the last 10 years watching my son grow up and spending Fridays on dates with my wife, for any amount of money in the world or any job in the world. I wish Urban Meyer the same wonderful life.
Great perspective, Len. Sounds like you are in a great place. Thanks for sharing. :-)
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