The identity shift nobody tells you about
Before kids I was defined by my job, my hobbies, my accomplishments. I was ambitious, driven, always had a five year plan. Became a dad and realized all that stuff doesn't matter t
TTim B.145 views
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How life changed since becoming a dad. Identity shifts, things you miss, things you gained, the transformation of fatherhood.
832 threads
Before kids I was defined by my job, my hobbies, my accomplishments. I was ambitious, driven, always had a five year plan. Became a dad and realized all that stuff doesn't matter t
I spent 15 years in finance making decent money but missing everything. My kids knew my voice on FaceTime better than in person. Last year I took a job that pays less but lets me b
I was that dad always yelling about something. Road rage, work stress, everything came out on my family. Started therapy after my daughter flinched when I raised my voice. That bro
Sobering up 3 years ago showed me I wasn't really present for anything. I was just there physically but checked out. My wife said it best - I was a roommate who paid bills. Now I'm
Before kids, I was that guy who was always out doing something. Bars, concerts, hanging with the guys every weekend. Now I'm 37, got two kids under 8, and I genuinely don't remembe
Spent hours at the gym before fatherhood. Had the perfect routine, tracked everything, was obsessed. Now I barely have time and I'm okay with that. My body has definitely changed b
My dad bod is real and I've accepted it.
Used to worry about judging looks when my kid had a meltdown in the grocery store. Used to stress about having the 'right' gear and toys. Used to overthink every decision. Now if m
Haven't posted in a while but wanted to come back and share this. Got divorced about 18 months ago and honestly it was a wake up call. I was 265 pounds, miserable, and just going t
Before my son was born I was all about the hustle, the next promotion, the next thing to buy. Pretty shallow existence if I'm being honest. Now he's 2 and a half and I genuinely do
This might sound crazy but I bailed on my corporate job last year. Made good money but was absolutely miserable, stressed out all the time, missed my kids growing up. Always loved
So I used to be that guy who'd stay up until 2am gaming, sleep until 10am on weekends, the whole deal. Fast forward 3 years and I'm voluntarily waking up at 5am to hit the gym befo
Used to pride myself on being the tough guy who doesn't get affected by things. Now I'm crying at my kids' school plays, getting misty eyed at Disney movies, the whole thing. First
Before kids I was that guy who valued sleep above almost everything. Would never get up before 9 or 10 on weekends. Now with the twins I'm up before they wake because that's my qui
Used to be all about my career, making partner at the law firm, proving something to everyone. Got promoted to senior associate right after my son was born and you know what? Didn'
First year after becoming a dad I basically disappeared into the parent role. Gave up my hockey league, stopped hanging with friends, forgot what I liked doing for fun. Wife finall
Man, I used to be that dad who'd sit on the sidelines at soccer games scrolling through my phone. Now I'm actually playing catch with my 7 year old in the backyard after work inste
This is going to sound dramatic but five years ago I was that guy living for promotions and paychecks. Barely saw my family. Got laid off during the recession and it forced me to b
Three years sober now. When I first quit I thought I'd lose my whole personality and all my friends. Turns out a lot of my friends were just... drinking buddies. Some stuck around
Got sober 8 months ago and while I wouldnt go back I do miss some stuff about drinking. I miss how easy it was to check out after a hard day. I miss my buddies thinking I was funny