From Corporate Robot to Stay at Home Dad

3w ago1 min read

Quit my job 2 years ago when my third kid was born and honestly I don't recognize myself anymore. Used to wear suits, hit the gym at 5am, had the whole career trajectory thing going. Now I'm covered in whatever my toddler had for lunch and I can't remember the last time I worked out. But here's the thing - I actually LIKE who I am now. I miss the money and the adult conversations at work, not gonna lie. But waking up and actually being present for my kids? That's something corporate me never had. My marriage is better too, my wife trusts me with the house and kids, I'm not just some guy who shows up at night stressed as hell. The identity shift has been wild but I wouldn't go back.

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Comments(3)

MMiguelRegular3w ago

This is real and I respect it. Staying home with three kids is harder work than corporate ever was, just different. The stress doesn't disappear, it just changes shape. But you get the days back and that's something corporate can't buy.

RRonRegular3w ago

The not recognizing yourself part I totally get. Who were you outside of work? Now you get to figure that out again but with your kids actually there to see it. That's kind of beautiful honestly.

MMarkRegular3w ago

Two years in and you're still adjusting which makes sense. That's a massive identity shift from being defined by your job to being defined by family. How's the mental health side of it been? I imagine there are weird moments where you have to rebuild who you are.