Corporate Guy to Stay-at-Home Dad - Best Worst Decision Ever

5d ago1 min read

Left my job 2 years ago when our second was born. Wife makes more, the math worked out, and we didn't want daycare. Old me would've thought this was failure. New me realizes I was just trading one identity for another. Miss the paychecks, miss having something to prove, miss wearing real pants instead of sweats. But I also missed like 70% of my kids' lives before and I'm not about to get that back. The weird part is I feel less important and more important at the same time. Nobody's asking how the quarterly reports are going but my kids ask for me specifically when they're hurt. That feels like winning even if my bank account disagrees.

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Comments(7)

RRob H.Regular3d ago

This is the dream scenario though right? You get to be present for the kids and the wife's career takes off. I bet there's stuff that sucks about it that people don't ask about though. Like do you miss working or is it actually better?

DDerekNew Dad3d ago

This is actually pretty inspiring to read. A lot of people wouldn't be secure enough to make that call. The math working out is one thing, but actually pulling the trigger is another.

LLucas M.Regular5d ago

That takes guts man. Props for making a decision like that though. How are you finding the stay-at-home thing now? I imagine it's got challenges but also probably some real cool moments with the kids.

DDerekNew Dad5d ago

Two years in and you're probably past the initial shock of it all. What's been the biggest adjustment - the routine stuff or the mental aspect of not being in the corporate world anymore?

AAndrew T.New Dad4d ago

Calling it the best worst decision is so real. I'm still working full time but part of me wants this life. The grass is always greener I guess but you actually seem happy about it.

MMason T.New Dad4d ago

That takes guts man. I respect that decision even though I could never do it. The math might work out but there's something about having a job that I need for my own sanity. How do you handle the financial anxiety stuff?

DDerekNew Dad4d ago

Two years in and you're still feeling good about it? That's the real test. A lot of guys I know tried this and went back to work within a year because they felt lost. Seems like you actually figured it out.