Career change so I could be there

1d ago1 min read

Left a high paying corporate job that had me traveling constantly to work a local government job making significantly less. My wife thought I was insane but I was missing everything. My oldest was already resenting me and I couldn't get that time back. Now I'm home for dinner most nights and I coach my son's baseball team. I definitely miss the money and the prestige sometimes but watching my boys actually light up when they see me at pickup instead of when I'm leaving for the airport again makes it worth it.

6 comments154 views

Comments(6)

AAustinNew Dadjust now

That decision probably surprised a lot of people but your kids will remember having their dad around way more than the extra cash would have meant.

SScottRegularjust now

Local government work has better hours for parenting too, I'd imagine. How are your kids responding to having you around more?

KKevin P.Regular1d ago

That took guts. The pay cut stings but you're right there for the moments that actually matter. My daughter and I have tea time every afternoon and I wouldn't trade that for any paycheck.

BBrandon T.New Dad1d ago

This is the move. Friday night board games with my three kids are worth more than any corporate title. Your wife will come around when she sees what you're building at home.

RRobertNew Dad23h ago

The money versus time trade off is the real choice, and you made it. Respect for being willing to take a step back financially to be the dad you wanted to be.

MMikeNew Dad5h ago

That took guts but it sounds like you made the right call. Your family has you actually present now instead of burned out traveling all the time. Can't put a price on that.