Built my own business so I could be there - best worst decision ever | DadHQ

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Built my own business so I could be there - best worst decision ever

May 5·1 min read

Started a side hustle 5 years ago because I wanted flexibility. Now I'm making decent money but working 60+ hours a week. Left corporate so I wouldn't miss my kids but I'm just missing them in a different way. The irony isn't lost on me. About to hire my first employee so I can actually step back and breathe. To anyone thinking about this - be realistic about the time commitment. Freedom isn't free.

6 comments222 views

Comments(6)

CChris R.RegularMay 6

That's the real trade off right there. More flexibility with the family but also the mental load of building something from scratch. How are you managing the stress?

RRob H.RegularMay 7

This is the dilemma I think about constantly. Making decent money but sacrificing evenings and weekends to the hustle. Sometimes I wonder if I'm actually more present or just working different hours.

KKevinNew DadMay 5

The best worst decision sums it up perfectly. Props for making it work though. Most guys talk about doing this but actually follow through like you did.

CChris R.RegularMay 5

I respect this move so much. Yeah the work never really stops when it's your business but you're building something and your kids see that hustle. That's worth a lot more than a paycheck.

PPedroRegularMay 5

The side hustle to business owner journey is wild. You get the flexibility you wanted but now you're chained to a different master. At least it's your own though. Do you think the trade-off was worth it for your family?

KKevinRegularMay 6

Five years in and just now seeing decent money though? That's the grind that people don't talk about. How are you managing the mental load of knowing you're working for the family AND the business?