I played hooky from a work conference to spend the day with my daughter. Our adventures were well worth the guilt.
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Skipping a work conference to spend a day with her daughter proved to be a rewarding decision for the author, despite initial guilt. By choosing family over professional obligations, she embarked on a series of memorable New York City adventures, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum and the Empire State Building, capped by the exciting news that her daughter had secured an internship interview at the Guggenheim. This experience highlighted the value of prioritizing meaningful personal moments, even when it means rethinking traditional work priorities.
The author faced a dilemma during a Zoom meeting with fellow travel writers: attend the first day of a New York City conference or spend time with her daughter, who lived in the city. Opting for the latter, she embraced the opportunity to be a "maverick," inspired by the rebellious spirit of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This decision led to a full-day tourist experience, exploring cultural and culinary hotspots, including Koreatown, which further solidified her belief that this day was well spent.
The highlight of their trip came when the daughter learned about an internship opportunity while at the Guggenheim, making the day truly unforgettable. The author reflected on how this decision not only strengthened her relationship with her daughter but also provided a unique perspective on balancing work and life. For readers in the business world, this story underscores the importance of valuing personal connections and considering non-traditional approaches to professional development, ultimately demonstrating that meaningful family time can be more impactful than attending yet another meeting.
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026