CHANGING THE POV#003

CHANGING THE POV

#003

The Man Who Faked His Own Disappearance

Last week I saw a post where a woman was narrating her last day of corporate life. She was explaining why she chose to do that. As her health started deteriorating due to the hectic schedule, she decided to prioritize her health over job. However, I found her comment section more interesting than her post.

There was a whole army of offended men complaining about how easy it is for women than men to leave a job. As tempting as it was to dive into that debate, I chose instead to observe their POV. It reminded me of a story I had read long ago — the story of a man who faked his own disappearance.

A man used to live in a town with his wife and two kids (grown-ups). He was the sole earner of that family. He had been working as a manager in some company for 19 years (I’m not sure). All the expenses were dependent on his earning. They were doing fine. But recently, he started feeling burnout from the same routine. His wife suggested to go on a vacation all by himself, so he could spend some time alone and refresh his mind. So, he did.

While enjoying this vacation, he recalled his past 19 years and how he had taken care of his family. His heart was filled with pride. At the same time, he felt entitled for being the whole and sole of his family’s well-being. His pride was soon taken over by arrogance. Then he thought of something, even devil won’t. He wanted to prove his importance to his family, so he planned his own disappearance. He wanted to know how they would live without him.

When he didn’t return home, his family filed a missing complaint. Police searched, but their efforts failed. The man lived secretly in his own hometown, to watch his family struggle. (How desperate!)

He felt more entitled after watching his family struggle to meet their ends without him. They did suffer a lot for months. He didn’t return, though. A few months later, the scenario changed. His son started working in his company, his wife started tutoring school kids and his daughter joined a part-time job at their uncle’s supermarket. They were earning enough to fulfill their basic needs. Rather than being happy about how his family took responsibility, he was disappointed. He felt helpless and broken thinking that his family didn’t need him anymore. “They are doing fine, without me,” he thought. He decided to leave and never come back.

He might have changed his unfortunate decision only if he knew how much his family missed him. His son would contact police every now and then to know his whereabouts, his daughter would dial his number several times a day just to hear her father’s voice. His wife would run to the door every time the bell rang, only in a hope to see her husband again.

He might have never planned this hopeless-make-me-feel-special-and-important-stupid plan only if he had realized that he was more than just a provider to his family.

I hope every man in that comment section realizes this sooner — that he is more than just a provider to his family. He is a person who is important, valued and loved.

If you’re feeling burnout, talk to your family, go on a vacation. But do them a favor and don’t plan anything so stupid and embarrassing.