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Sendurai Mani: Four Times the Salary or More Time with Family? A Lesson in Priorities

Sendurai Mani/LinkedIn

Dec 8, 2024, 12:54

Sendurai Mani: Four Times the Salary or More Time with Family? A Lesson in Priorities

Sendurai Mani, Dean Chair for Translational Oncology at Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, posted the following on LinkedIn:

“Four Times the Salary or More Time with Family? A Lesson in Priorities.

We often face tough decisions between career advancement and staying close to family. My good friend, John Tarantino, faced such a crossroads at the peak of his career. After a stellar performance in a high-stakes trial, John caught the attention of a senior partner from one of the world’s largest law firms. Recognizing John’s exceptional skills in communication and strategy, the firm offered him an unprecedented opportunity: to become a partner heading their firm’s national trial practice group—a role most would spend decades working toward.

The position came with a salary four times his current earnings, unparalleled benefits, and prestige. However, it required frequent travel and relocating to New York City.

John sought counsel from his wife, Pat Tarantino, who asked him a simple yet profound question: ‘Are you happy with your current job?’ John replied, ‘Yes, very much.’ Pat wisely added, ‘The money we have is more than enough for a comfortable life. By staying, you’ll spend more time with our kids and avoid unnecessary chaos. What truly matters is our happiness as a family.’

Taking her advice to heart, John declined the offer. The senior partner, shocked by his decision, remarked, ‘It’s rare for anyone to turn down an opportunity like this. You are truly different. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.’

In a world that often prioritizes money and fame, John chose family. His story reminds us that true success lies in knowing what matters most.”

Sendurai Mani: Four Times the Salary or More Time with Family? A Lesson in Priorities

Sendurai A. Mani is an Indian American oncologist and molecular biologist. Currently holding the Dean’s Chair for Translational Oncology at Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Dr. Mani also serves as the Associate Director for Translational Oncology at the Legorreta Cancer Center at Alpert Medical School. Dr. Mani’s research focuses on finding the mechanisms driving cancer metastasis and therapy resistance, particularly in breast cancer. He is renowned for his discovery of cancer stem cells and their role in tumor progression and treatment resistance.