Career took a backseat and I'm weirdly okay with it | DadHQ

Career took a backseat and I'm weirdly okay with it

DanNew Dad

2w ago1 min read

Used to put in 60+ hour weeks chasing promotions. Got one right before my first kid was born and you know what? It meant nothing. I was missing everything. Took a step back to a different role, less pay but better hours. My coworkers thought I was insane. Three years later watching my kids grow up and actually being present for it... man I don't even think about that promotion anymore. My identity used to be my job title. Now it's just being their dad.

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Comments(7)

BBrandonRegular1w ago

Congrats on actually being okay with it. A lot of guys struggle with this shift. The promotion will always be there but these years with your kids won't be. Sounds like you figured out the priority.

MMike C.Regular1w ago

This hits me hard right now. I just got passed over for a promotion I was gunning for and instead of panicking I was like... okay but I'd miss my kids more if I took it. Never thought I'd say that. The 60 hour weeks felt important at the time but man what was I even doing?

MMarkRegular1w ago

I still chase career stuff but yeah the priorities completely shift. Your kids grow up so fast and you can't get that time back. Props for recognizing it early instead of realizing it when they're teenagers.

RRonRegular1w ago

This hits different when you have kids. I was the same way before my first was born. Now I look at those 60 hour weeks and think what was the point. You can't get that time back with them.

DDerekRegular1w ago

Getting a promotion right before your first kid sounds like the plot twist that changes everything. I'm curious what made you actually okay with stepping back though. Was it gradual or did you just wake up one day and realize the money didn't matter as much?

MMiguelRegular1w ago

How many kids you got now? Just curious because I think the acceptance gets easier the more you have. With two I was still fighting it a little. Three tipped the scales completely.

DDerekRegular2w ago

Real talk this is growth. Not everyone gets there. Make sure your work respects the boundary though because some places will keep pushing if you let them.