The Choice Ch:1

What was Mark's primary reason for resigning from his position?

What was J. Milton Hadley's opinion on reading?

How did Martha react to Mark's decision to resign?

What detail about Hadley's library is highlighted in the conversation?

What was Hadley's previous political involvement before the events of the conversation?

What reason does Mark give for wanting to leave the company?

What indication does Mr. Hadley provide about Mark's contributions to the company?

How does Mark describe his role in his family's life?

What sentiment does Mr. Hadley express about Mark's decision to leave?

What does Mark intend to eliminate from his life for more family time?

How does Mark feel about his financial situation?

What does Morris Rosen criticize about Mark's choices?

How many family dinners has Mark had in the last twelve months?

What does Mr. Hadley imply about Thoreau's philosophy on living simply?

What financial condition does Mark reveal about himself?

Mark's Resignation

Mark, a successful insurance salesman, resigns from Treasury Insurance Company after 12 years.
He expresses his desire to spend more time with his family and prioritize their needs.
His resignation is unexpected by his company and particularly by J. Milton Hadley, the company's CEO.

The Meeting

Mark meets with Mr. Hadley, accompanied by company executives Morris and Wilbur.
Mr. Hadley emphasizes Mark's achievements and the company's success in recent years.
Mark explains his decision to leave is driven by a desire to spend more time with his family, who have been neglected due to his dedication to his career.

Mark's Financial Situation

Mark reveals that his financial situation is not secure, with only about $30,000 saved.
He had previously used his pension and profit-sharing for his father's medical expenses.
His house in Brookline is the first he has owned, and they have minimal equity in it.

Mr. Hadley's Offer

Mr. Hadley offers Mark a promotion as Vice President in charge of Sales, doubling his current income.
This promotion was already in the works due to the illness of a current executive, Sam Larson.
The offer includes a request for Mark to relocate to Chicago.

Mark's Response and Aspirations

Mark surprisingly declines Mr. Hadley's offer, sticking to his decision to leave the company and focus on family.
He declares his ambition to pursue a career as a writer, despite his financial insecurity.
His decision is met with astonishment and concerns from Mr. Hadley and the other executives.

Explore the story of Mark, an insurance salesman who resigns after 12 years to prioritize family. This narrative delves into his unexpected decision, the meeting with his CEO, and his financial struggles. Understand the impact of work-life balance through Mark's journey.