I gave more attention to my demanding job than to raising my 4 kids. I'm heartbroken over what it cost me.

Sat, 08/10/2024 - 08:11

A moody/sad woman is collaged next to a smaller image of a husband and their child on a purple/lavender background. — Abigail DeGuzman (not pictured) prioritized her demanding job over being present for her children. Now, she's making up for lost time.
Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Abigail DeGuzman moved to the US for a better life, but struggled to balance work and family.
The mother of four prioritized her demanding job over spending time with her children,
Now, she is working to rebuild her relationship with her children through therapy and effort.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Abigail DeGuzman, a 49-year-old IT director at Strategic Connection from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania. It's been edited for length and clarity.