5 years ago I was a bartender, now I'm a stay at home dad | DadHQ

5 years ago I was a bartender, now I'm a stay at home dad

2w ago1 min read

Honestly the transition has been wild. I used to close bars at 3am, sleep til noon, spend my paychecks on concert tickets and random road trips. Now I'm up at 6am, I know all the words to every Disney movie, and I'm genuinely excited about organizing the garage. I miss the money and the social scene but man, watching my kids grow up instead of missing it has been worth every sacrifice. Some days I miss the person I was but I love the person I've become way more.

7 comments155 views

Comments(7)

BBenNew Dad2w ago

Dude, respect. I work from home now and still find it weird some days. But being there when they get home from school? That's the real paycheck.

NNate B.Regular1w ago

That's an incredible shift. Going from bartending nights to being present for your kids during the day must feel like living in a completely different timeline. How are you handling the financial side of it all?

TTobias K.Regular2w ago

From closing bars to closing lunch boxes. That's a wild swing but honestly it sounds like you found something way more meaningful. The chaos of it is real though.

BBrianRegular2w ago

The paychecks are definitely different but you get something way better - actual time with your kid. Two months in for me and I'd never go back to the old life.

LLance K.Regular2w ago

The transition from that lifestyle to family life is insane. Must feel like you're living in a completely different universe. But I'm guessing the payoff is better than tips ever were?

BBrianRegular2w ago

Staying home with three kids has to be infinitely harder than bartending. You're managing three different schedules, emotions, meals, and somehow keeping them alive. That's legit work.

PPhil M.New Dad1w ago

This is cool and also deeply exhausting I imagine. No more sleeping until noon but also you probably sleep better knowing what you're actually doing matters.