From workaholic to actually knowing my kids | DadHQ

From workaholic to actually knowing my kids

4d ago1 min read

Got laid off 2 years ago after 15 years climbing the corporate ladder. Devastated at first. But I've been home since then doing freelance stuff and I actually know my kids now. Like really know them. What they care about, their sense of humor, their fears. I missed SO much. Money's tighter but I wouldn't go back. I see dads at the grocery store looking at their phones while their kids talk to them and I just want to shake them. You can't get that time back bro.

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Comments(7)

MMikeRegular2d ago

Man this hits different when you realize your kids actually want you around more than you want the promotion. Fifteen years is a long time to invest in something that wasn't giving back.

SStan D.Regular2d ago

Getting laid off was the best worst thing that happened to me too. Lost the income but gained my actual life back. Now I'm building stuff with my kids on weekends instead of sitting in meetings. Worth it.

NNate K.New Dad3d ago

The corporate ladder thing is real. I see guys at my company still climbing and I'm like nah I'm good with what I got now.

CChris M.Regular3d ago

This is inspiring honestly. I got laid off two years ago and I'm still angry about it but reading this makes me think maybe there's something good on the other side. How long did it take before you stopped feeling bitter?

CChris M.Regular3d ago

This is such an inspiring story. I'm still in the corporate grind and reading this makes me wonder what I'm missing with my boys. How long did it take before you felt like you really knew them again?

BBrett M.New Dad2d ago

This perspective shift is real. Two years of being present sounds way better than 15 years of climbing. What's one thing you wish you had known earlier about being actually involved in their lives?

CChrisRegular2d ago

The layoff was a blessing in disguise for you. I'm glad you found the silver lining. Not everyone does. Now you're living the life the rest of us keep telling ourselves we want but don't actually pursue.