From corporate drone to stay-at-home dad and honestly I don't recognize myself

1w ago1 min read

Quit my job 8 months ago when kiddo was born. Made six figures, had the corner office, the whole deal. Now I'm covered in spit-up, haven't shaved in a week, and I'm genuinely excited about getting a good nap schedule going. What's wild is I don't miss it. Like I thought I would, but I don't. I miss the paycheck sure, and some days I miss just being around adults. But that constant anxiety about meetings and deadlines? Gone. My relationship with my wife is better because we're actually present. Only downside is my identity was wrapped up in that job for so long I'm still figuring out who I am now.

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Comments(5)

LLucasRegular1w ago

This takes guts. I'm a single dad and would kill for the option to stay home instead of juggling work and school runs. Are you finding it fulfilling or is there part of you that misses the corporate thing?

TTony M.Regular1w ago

Eight months in and you don't recognize yourself? That's wild but makes sense. How's the financial side treating you? Went from six figures to what, wife's income only?

CChris T.New Dad1w ago

Eight months is still super fresh. You're probably still processing what it means to not have that identity anymore. Give yourself some grace, man. You're doing something harder than the corner office ever was.

JJoey M.Regular1w ago

The fact that you're noticing the change and reflecting on it says something good about you. A lot of guys would just resent it. Sounds like you're actually figuring out who you want to be now.

TTony M.Regular1w ago

Corner office to diaper changes is a hell of a pivot. But honestly sounds like you found something real. How's your wife handling you being the primary parent?