From night shift worker to stay-at-home dad and I barely recognize myself

1w ago1 min read

Seven months ago I made the jump. Worked nights for 12 years, slept all day, barely saw my kids awake. My wife got a promotion that made way more sense financially for us to flip it. Now I'm the primary parent and honestly it's been a total identity shift. I miss the adult interaction and the routine, but I don't miss being exhausted all the time or missing my kids' lives. The crazy part is I'm actually good at this. Never thought I'd say that. Feels weird not having a "job title" but watching my 4 year old learn to read because I'm here every day is better than any promotion ever felt.

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Comments(7)

MMiguelRegular1w ago

That's a huge life change. Going from missing your kids every day to being present for their mornings and after school is probably surreal. How's the financial side of it working out?

DDanielRegular1w ago

Man, 12 years of nights - that's brutal. Bet your kids hardly knew you before. Good for you for making that switch.

SStevenRegular1w ago

Wow, seven months and you're already feeling the change. Going from night shift to being present during the day must feel like a completely different life. How are the kids adjusting?

PPedroRegular1w ago

I'm genuinely curious how you're managing financially since you went from a steady paycheck to staying home. Did you have a plan going in?

SSteve M.New Dad1w ago

Seven months and you barely recognize yourself - that's a massive change. How are the kids adjusting to having you around in the mornings? That's got to be weird for them too.

DDerekRegular1w ago

This takes guts. Night shift was your whole identity for over a decade and now you're flipping it. Are you sleeping better at least?

MMarco R.New Dad1w ago

This is what I'd love to do but the finances aren't quite there yet. What's been the biggest adjustment outside of the sleep schedule?