Why has tom decided to stay home in the contents of a dead mans packet?

In "The Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" by Jack Finney, Tom decides to stay home instead of going out with his wife because he is focused on advancing his career. He believes that by working on an important project at home, he can secure a promotion and achieve professional success. However, this decision leads to a moment of crisis when he realizes the value of personal relationships and the risks of prioritizing work over life experiences. Ultimately, his choice reflects the tension between ambition and the importance of family.