How life changed since becoming a dad. Identity shifts, things you miss, things you gained, the transformation of fatherhood.
559 threads
Before: I was spontaneous, went out with friends every weekend, slept til noon, could spend $200 on dinner without thinking twice. Now: I get excited about a good night's sleep, my
Used to run marathons, played in a competitive basketball league, spent hours at the gym. That was my thing, you know? After my first son was born I told myself I'd get back to it.
Money without guilt. Before if I wanted to buy some new tech or go on a random weekend trip I just did it. Now I think about 529 plans and school costs and it stresses me out. I mi
Used to commute 90 minutes each way to sit in a cubicle for a job I hated. Was making decent money but missing everything. My kids barely knew me. Last year I took the plunge and n
For 6 years I was home with the kids while my wife worked. Handled all the school pickups, lunches, homework. Now she wanted to step back and I needed to provide so here I am in an
Three years ago I was 245 pounds, tired all the time, didn't play with my kids. Got diagnosed with pre-diabetes and something just clicked. Started running at 5am before anyone wok
Honestly man, before kids I was the guy staying up till 2am gaming and sleeping till noon on weekends. Now I'm up at 5 every morning and I actually LIKE it. There's something about
This is the biggest change for me. I was always worried about looking cool, having the right stuff, saying the right things at work. Then I became a dad and honestly that all fell
Pre-kids me and the wife would just decide at 10pm to drive somewhere random, catch a late movie, go out to eat whenever. Now everything needs planning. Doctor appointments, school
Man, I don't even recognize myself sometimes. Used to spend Friday nights hitting up bars with the guys, sleeping till noon on weekends, road trips whenever I felt like it. Now I'm
Realized I couldn't keep up with my kids at the park. Started eating better, going to the gym early before work. Wife's more attracted to me, I feel better, my kids see me exercisi
Got the big job at work I'd been chasing for like 5 years. More money, bigger office, managing a team. Sounds great right? First year was amazing. Year two I realized I was missing
Five years ago I was going out every weekend, sleeping til noon, just doing whatever. Now I'm the guy making lunches at 6am, coaching little league, worried about teacher conferenc
Spent 6 years as a solo parent, just me and my son against the world type mentality. Got remarried last year and it's been weird because suddenly I'm not the only one making decisi
At 35 I was 280 pounds, pre-diabetic, couldn't play with my kids without getting winded. Did the whole transformation thing over two years, now I'm 185 and actually healthy. The cr
Left my corporate job making good money to take a position that pays less but has flexible hours. My boss was shocked. Money's tighter now for sure. We had to cut back on some stuf
Took a job offer that meant leaving everything behind. Wife wasn't sure about it, kids didn't want to go. But here we are 3 years later and we actually know our neighbors, we have
Not going to go into detail about the drinking years but basically my kids had a ghost for a dad. Now I'm coaching soccer, helping with homework, actually remembering conversations
Left my job 2 years ago when my wife got the promotion. Honestly thought I'd hate it but now I'm the one managing the house, kids' schedules, cooking most meals. Miss the paycheck
I was the type of dad who yelled at everything. Traffic, work, my kids for minor stuff. My oldest got anxiety from it. Therapist told me I had untreated anger issues from my own ch