Career pivot hit different when you become a dad

1w ago1 min read

Had the big corporate job, 60+ hours a week, making decent money but I was miserable. Then my son was born and suddenly the promotion didn't matter as much. Took a step back to a smaller company, less money, but I'm home by 5:30 most days. My wife said I'm a completely different person now. Less stressed, actually laugh more, play with my kids instead of checking emails at dinner. What I miss is the validation from the title and paycheck, not gonna pretend that doesn't sting sometimes. What I gained is actually having a life outside of work.

6 comments218 views

Comments(6)

DDanNew Dad1w ago

The corporate trap gets everyone. Glad you got out. Took me a long time to realize my kid would remember me being there way more than he'd remember the extra stuff money could buy.

GGarrettRegular1w ago

This is huge. I did the same pivot two years ago and my kid actually noticed the difference in like a week. He asked why I wasn't 'grumpy all the time' anymore. The money was good but it wasn't worth missing his childhood.

CChris M.New Dad1w ago

How did you actually make it work financially? That's the part I keep getting stuck on. Want that corporate money gone but also want to be present.

BBradRegular1w ago

Major respect for making that call. Takes guts to step back from the corporate ladder when you've got a family depending on you. What did you pivot into if you don't mind me asking?

MMarcoNew Dad1w ago

This resonates hard. The 60 hour weeks were killing me even though the money was good. Couldn't miss my kids growing up for a bigger paycheck. Being present is worth more.

BBrianRegular1w ago

The money thing is tough though. Did you take a significant hit to your salary or did you find something that balanced it better? I'm thinking about doing something similar but the financial anxiety is real.