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- Ben Affleck tried to make acting a 9-to-5 job because he hated spending time away from his kids (businessinsider.com)
Ben Affleck Prioritizes Family Time, Adopts 9-to-5 Approach to Filmmaking
Ben Affleck is putting family first. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor and filmmaker revealed that he’s shifted his career focus to spend more time with his three children. Affleck explained that he structured his work more like a traditional 9-to-5 job to avoid extended periods away from his kids.
“My kids were 8, 11, and 14, and I felt like: I don’t want to miss any of this time at all,” Affleck shared, emphasizing the importance of being present during their formative years. He detailed his strategy: “Let me figure out a way to work at home and have the kind of job where I can actually be here and build my schedule around that.”
Affleck co-parents his three teenagers, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. He credits his work at Artists Equity, the production company he co-founded with Matt Damon, for allowing him greater flexibility and control over his schedule.
The company, which has produced films like “Air” and the upcoming “The Accountant 2,” allows Affleck to be based in Los Angeles. This proximity to home means he can often be there to greet his children when they get off the school bus, a highlight he cherishes.
The actor also admitted that he has scaled back on directing projects due to their demanding schedules. While he expressed his love for filmmaking, Affleck noted the significant time commitment required often took him away from his children. He specifically mentioned directing “The Town,” acknowledging that despite his artistic satisfaction, he missed valuable moments with his kids.
Affleck’s sentiment echoes that of other prominent figures in Hollywood. Both Eva Mendes and Kieran Culkin have also spoken publicly about balancing their careers with parenthood, emphasizing the importance of being present for their children.