5 years ago I was a workaholic who barely knew his kids. Here's what changed.

JakeNew Dad

1d ago1 min read

Used to work 70+ hour weeks at a corporate job that didn't even care. Missed my son's first soccer game, my daughter's school plays, everything. One day my 6yo asked if I lived at the office. That hit different. Started looking for remote work, took a pay cut, and yeah it was scary. Now I work 8-5, pick up the kids, help with homework, coach the little league team. I make less money but I have my life back. The stuff I thought was so important just doesn't matter compared to being here. I wish I'd made this change 10 years earlier but I'm grateful I did it at all.

7 comments191 views

Comments(7)

KKyleRegular5h ago

Respect for making that call. Missing your son's first soccer game is exactly the kind of moment that should shake you awake. Did you have to take a financial hit when you cut back the hours or did you find a job that worked better?

SSam T.Regular1d ago

Heavy post man but in the best way. Bedtime routines and school plays beat corner offices every time. Glad you're getting those years back with your kids.

MMike T.New Dad1d ago

This takes guts to change like that. Spending time at the park with my kid every day after school showed me what I was missing before. Kids remember the presence, not the paycheck.

DDannyRegular1d ago

Real talk, this is exactly the wake up call I needed to hear. Missing those moments stings in a way nothing else does. Good on you for making the switch.

CChris T.New Dad1d ago

This is real. I'm splitting time between two houses with my kids and one thing I've learned is that being present during the time you have matters infinitely more than working yourself to death. Your kids needed their dad more than they needed whatever that corporate job was giving you.

-1

AAdam R.New Dad4h ago

This hits different man. I'm still in the grind honestly, working overtime to provide, but stories like yours remind me that I need to be more intentional about the time I DO have. What was the biggest shift in your mindset when you made the change?

RRick M.New Dad3h ago

Five years is a long time to turn things around. What made the difference for you? Was it a specific moment or just gradually realizing what really matters?