Trading My Solo Career Climb for Actually Being Present

I was that guy grinding 60 hour weeks, thinking I'd make partner by 40. Defined myself by my job title. Then my oldest was born and something just clicked. I realized I was so focused on the future payoff that I was missing actual moments. My kid wouldn't remember the extra money from those hours. So I changed jobs, took a pay cut, now I work 45 hours instead of 60. Some coworkers think I peaked. My bank account definitely knows the difference. But I coach my son's soccer team now. I know my kids's friends' names. I actually remember what happened in their days. The weird part is I feel more successful even though I'm making less. Identity wise I'm no longer defined by climbing that corporate ladder. I'm the dad who shows up. That means more to me now than a corner office ever did.