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Went from startup guy working 80 hours a week to actually knowing my kids

Apr 21·1 min read

Got burned out hard at 38 and stepped back from my company. Took a less stressful job that pays half what I made but gives me evenings and weekends. My boys barely knew me before. Now I coach baseball, help with homework, sit at dinner with them every night. I miss the money and the status I guess but not as much as you'd think. What I got in return is way more valuable. My youngest doesn't ask when I'm coming home anymore because I'm already there.

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Comments(4)

RRyanRegularApr 22

This post right here. I'm at that crossroads now at 37 and reading this makes me think harder about what I'm actually doing all day. Did your family life improve almost immediately or was there an adjustment period?

MMitchell R.RegularApr 22

Honestly this gives me hope. Taking the pay cut was worth it just to actually know who your kids are and what they like? That's the stuff you can't get back.

PPhil M.RegularApr 22

This is real talk right here. I'm still in startup mode most days but I keep thinking about what you just said. Watching my kids grow up through a laptop screen is not the legacy I want.

DDaniel R.RegularApr 22

The money thing is hard but you'll never regret knowing your kids better. How long did it take you to actually feel the difference? Like was it immediate or did it take a few months?