There are a few countries where work sits high at the top of the priority list, before even family. It’s good to note that, in actual fact, work should come far below family and even friends. One meteorologist has given us all a pleasant reminder that, even on live TV, it’s okay to prioritize your life over professionalism.
Just as Nick Jansen appeared on air to report on the weather, he was seen tapping away on his phone. Rather than quickly putting it away, the meteorologist finishes his text and, when he is good and ready, places his phone on the desk and begins to present.
Meteorologist Nick had been reporting on storms rolling across the Southeastern Minnesota and Northern Iowa areas. For three hours, they had been nattering about that area in the US. This happens to be where Nick and his family live.
As he put his phone down, the meteorologist briefly explained his text. “Sorry, I just had to text my wife. The baby was sleeping the whole night. So that’s going to be over with at this point in time.” But when a viewer wrote in to complain, he felt the need to explain further,
An Important Text
With three hours of reporting on the rolling storms, Nick had become concerned for his family. Being the loving father and husband he is, he had taken a brief moment to text his wife and ensure they were safe.
Speaking out on his Facebook page, the meteorologist explained his brief text break.”I take my job and your safety very seriously. But I’m also a husband and a father. In the middle of severe weather, I decided to take a brief moment to make sure my wife and child were safely in the basement.”
Seeing such a human action being permitted on US TV is a lovely thing to see. Many professionals in Western countries are expected to leave their lives behind while at work. The brief pause for human care was something we would all want to do.
“That’s not me being unprofessional, it’s me being human. I am a husband and a father FIRST. Let’s all try to show each other a little more understanding and respect in life.”
Let’s normalize human behavior. After all, work is only a means to an end. That end is a happy, loved family.