What is important?

I have come to realize that the things people tell you are important are often not very important at all, while other things that most people pay no mind to are actually very important. 
According to everyone at work, the most important thing in the world is for us to meet a deadline for getting a report completed.  They say we HAVE TO meet the deadline.  We CAN'T miss it.  Therefore, they are working day and night, taking their work home with them to work on it at night and on the weekends.  They are giving up everything else in their lives for the sake of this goal.  They expect me to do the same.  After all, it is IMPORTANT, or so they say.  But is it?
What happens if we miss this deadline?  I'll tell you.  We will get a slap on the wrist.  Some people might say bad things about us.  My supervisor might get a blemish on her record.  That blemish might make her a bit less likely to get a promotion.  That is what they are concerned about--doing a good job so that they look good, can get a promotion, and make more money.  Is that the most important thing in life?  I think not.
What is important?  I've decided it is this.  Doing what we can to save lives, help people, and to alleviate suffering.  That is what is important.  Taking care of our friends of family.  That is what is important.
I will not work overtime to meet some meaningless deadline.  It is not important.  I have othr things to tend to that are more important than that.  They can do what they want.  I will not play that game.

Replies

BashfulBugaboo
BashfulBugaboo

Yay !! I totally agree..good on ya..xx
deleted_user
deleted_user

Life is too short.
Bluejeanz
Bluejeanz

so glad to hear someone being realistic for a change....
all this rush and tearing about is pointless half the time,we all need time to smell the roses as they say....
thanks for your reply inBPD discussion by the way,it was most helpful.
Bluejeanz
Bluejeanz

so glad to hear someone being realistic for a change....
all this rush and tearing about is pointless half the time,we all need time to smell the roses as they say....
thanks for your reply inBPD discussion by the way,it was most helpful.
Bluejeanz
Bluejeanz

so glad to hear someone being realistic for a change....
all this rush and tearing about is pointless half the time,we all need time to smell the roses as they say....
thanks for your reply inBPD discussion by the way,it was most helpful.
MaybeICanHelp
MaybeICanHelp

Thanks Bluejeanz. There is a German proverb I like a lot: \"The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most imortant thing.\"
deleted_user
deleted_user

I\'m glad someone finally \"gets\" it. It\'s a shame most people put their careers and material things over friends and family.