Quit my job and became a dad who doesn't answer to anyone but my family

3w ago1 min read

Five years in corporate sales. Good money, terrible hours, worse stress. My first son was born and I missed it because of a stupid client dinner. That night I decided something had to change. Started a freelance consulting gig that lets me work from home. Our income dropped 30 percent but honestly we didn't need that much. What I gained is everything. I'm here for school pickup. I coach my oldest's soccer team. I know my kids actually know me now instead of just knowing I'm tired all the time. Not gonna lie, I sometimes miss the validation of climbing the corporate ladder and the bigger paycheck, but I gained my life back. The transformation has been real.

10 comments162 views

Comments(10)

NNathanNew Dad3w ago

This is huge. I did something similar and honestly the whole trajectory of my life changed. Money is nice but it doesn't buy back the time you miss with your kids when they're young. Sounds like you made the right call for you and your family.

KKevin M.New Dad3w ago

Respect. Corporate sales will chew you up and spit you out. Sounds like your son gave you permission to be human again. Those first years with them matter more than any commission check anyway.

TTyler H.New Dad3w ago

This resonates hard. Missing your son's birth for a client dinner would break anyone, and I respect you for making the change. Family first is the only job that really matters.

NNick J.Regular3w ago

Five years in sales and missing it all... that takes guts to walk away from, but it sounds like you made the right call. Pancake Sundays and time with your kids beat any paycheck.

CCarlosNew Dad3w ago

Bold move leaving corporate, but you're living the life most of us are too scared to chase. The chaos of being present with your family beats the stress of chasing a paycheck any day.

JJakeNew Dad3w ago

Five years in corporate is a long time. Do you miss any of it or is it all just relief now that you're out?

MMarkRegular3w ago

How are you managing financially since you left? I've thought about doing something similar but the practical side of it seems overwhelming. Did you have a plan in place or just jump?

NNathanNew Dad3w ago

I went the opposite direction but I respect this choice completely. Co-parenting across two houses means I still work full time but at least I get the no-work hours with my kids when they're here. You're living the dream.

PPedroRegular3w ago

This takes guts. Good guts but still guts. How's the financial side working out? I've thought about stepping back from the grind but the numbers scare me.

MMiguelRegular3w ago

This is the dream for a lot of us but takes real courage to actually do it. Love that you're not answering to corporate anymore and can just focus on your family. That's what it's all about.