The greatest lesson learned from someone else may be just as insightful as a self-experienced lesson.
During summer 2010, I had a chance to visit my relatives in Asia, specifically Taiwan with my father. There, I met many of my dad’s friends. Friends from 10 years, 20 years, and perhaps 30 years– they were all prosperous businessmen in the industry. There was one specific family friend, who developed a successful tourism industry. A company that was famous even with the name spoken. And a company my father used to be a partnership of. I admired his success, and wished my dad had continued the business alongside. However, my father made the decision to move to Canada with his family–with us.
During my stay I had the chance to live in multiple hotels he owned throughout the city, and even had a tour in his office building. He was a man who was treated with great respect within the business industry. The only thing that took my admiration back was that I soon discovered there was a lack of love in his family. In the end I am not to judge the amount of love in his family, but I am thankful my father made the decision to move to Canada with us. I then understand the importance of my father’s hope in the future of his children.
His business was successful, but he had a sacrifice. Speaking from the mind of a Sauder School of Business Student, I would like to say that successful business is good too, but it is best to remain a balance between your business and family.
