What I've lost and gained becoming a dad
Been thinking about this a lot lately. Lost: spontaneity, my social life, decent sleep, a clean car, my six pack (hello dad bod), time with my wife, hobbies, money, peace and quiet
DDavid T.88 views
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How life changed since becoming a dad. Identity shifts, things you miss, things you gained, the transformation of fatherhood.
553 threads
Been thinking about this a lot lately. Lost: spontaneity, my social life, decent sleep, a clean car, my six pack (hello dad bod), time with my wife, hobbies, money, peace and quiet
My dad and I were never really close growing up. He was distant, worked a lot, didn't really know how to connect with us kids. I used to resent that. Now that I'm a dad myself with
Two years ago I was making six figures in finance, traveling for work, stressed out of my mind, barely knew my kids. Had a panic attack in the office one day and just decided I was
I used to be that guy. You know, stayed up til 2am, weekends were for gaming marathons, my identity was basically tied to being the 'cool single guy with no responsibilities.' Then
Married my high school sweetheart when I was 22, had our first kid at 25, three more followed. I'm 35 now and I literally don't recognize the person I was back then. That guy was s
Left my job 3 years ago. Was making six figures at a tech company, absolutely miserable, traveling 60% of the time. My oldest told me he didn't recognize me anymore because I was o
Got divorced last year after being married for 15 years. Spent almost two decades as a married guy with a kid and then suddenly I'm living alone in an apartment and having every ot
Not trying to be dramatic but getting my weight under control actually saved my life. Started at 285, I'm at 225 now and still going. My dad died at 58 from a heart attack and I wa
So I used to be that guy. You know the one - stayed up until 2am playing competitive FPS games, slept til noon on weekends, my whole identity was basically wrapped up in being good
Three years sober now. Was one of those guys who drank every night after work, made excuses about it being no big deal. My kids barely knew me even though I was there. Now I actual
Used to be one of those guys at the gym 6 days a week, meal prepped everything, counted macros obsessively. Looked great, felt miserable. My back started giving out and I had to st
I spent 15 years in finance. Suits, spreadsheets, living for the weekend that never felt long enough. Got laid off during restructuring and honestly it was the best thing that happ
Quit the side hustle that was consuming 20 hours a week. I thought I needed the extra money but turns out I needed my life back more. Now I have weekends where I'm not stressed or
Man I miss sleeping in on weekends and just doing whatever I wanted on a Friday night. Now my idea of a wild Saturday is going to Home Depot and actually being excited about it. Th
Don't even know who I was before honestly. Was drinking every night, missed my kids's events, marriage was hanging by a thread. Got into AA and a program and everything shifted. I
3 years post divorce and I'm not the same guy. Used to hide a lot of stuff, didn't talk about feelings, just powered through. Had to do a lot of therapy to be a better dad and that
Left my corporate job 3 years ago to start my own business and I don't recognize myself anymore. Used to be all about impressing people at the office, climbing the ladder, having t
So I quit my job at a marketing firm back in 2022. Was making good money, hated every second of it, missed my kids growing up. My wife made enough that we could swing it if we cut
Got divorced 3 years ago after 15 years together. Thought my life was over. Turns out I'm actually a better person when I'm not miserable. Got my own place, decorated it however I
Hit my heaviest at 280. Had a heart scare at 42 and decided enough was enough. Two years of gym, counting calories, running, all that. Down to 195 now and I feel amazing physically