Valuable Work-Life Balance Tips From a Google CFO

Many tech experts dream of landing a job at Google — to software engineers, coders, and anybody who has seen photos of the tech giant's offices, Google is the ultimate employer. But there's no denying that Google employees and executives work hard. In a heartfelt memo on his Google+ profile, company CFO Patrick Pichette announced his intention to retire and spend time with family after a life-changing vacation in Africa with his wife last year. That's when she suggested they travel more, but he declined because of work.

"Then she asked the killer question," Pichette wrote. "So when is it going to be time? Our time? My time? The questions just hung there in the cold morning African air." He then thought about having worked almost 30 straight years of his life and how his family deserved more time from him. He elaborated:

"This summer, Tamar and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. When our kids are asked by their friends about the success of the longevity of our marriage, they simply joke that Tamar and I have spent so little time together that 'it's really too early to tell' if our marriage will in fact succeed. If they could only know how many great memories we already have together. How many will you say? How long do you have? But one thing is for sure, I want more. And she deserves more. Lots more . . . In the end, life is wonderful, but nonetheless a series of trade offs, especially between business/professional endeavours and family/community. And thankfully, I feel I'm at a point in my life where I no longer have to have to make such tough choices anymore. And for that I am truly grateful. Carpe Diem."

Pichette further outlines his impressive career in the memo, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing life experiences and loved ones. Read the full announcement here, and maybe it will spark some important questions: when will your life become your time, not your employer's time?