Career pivot after becoming a dad - worth it?

Nov 221 min read

I was in sales, long hours, constant travel, making good money. When my twins were born 18 months ago, I just... couldn't do it anymore. Left about 6 months ago and took a "boring" operations job at a nonprofit. Less money (about $30k less), way more stable, home by 5:30. My dad thinks I'm crazy for leaving money on the table, but I actually know my kids now? Like I was in the same house with them but I didn't KNOW them before. Worth it, but sometimes I wonder if I'm being naive about the long-term career impact.

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Comments(8)

SSawyer N.Regular1d ago

Wait, operations at a nonprofit - like logistics and process stuff? How's the actual day-to-day different from sales besides the hours? I'm asking because I'm thinking about similar moves but I'm worried about being bored out of my mind.

RRaj P.Regular1d ago

I did something similar but went the freelance route instead of nonprofit. The flexibility was great for the first year, then I realized I was actually working MORE hours trying to get consistent clients. At least with your nonprofit gig you know what you're getting. The knowing your kids thing though - 100% worth it. My oldest is 8 now and I actually remember her as a toddler instead of just seeing photos my wife sent me during sales calls.

NNick J.Regular1d ago

Your dad's generation measured success differently. He probably thinks you're leaving money on the table because in his day, you just... didn't have options to do this. But you do. You made the choice. That's actually huge.

SStan D.Regular1d ago

nailed it

TTony V.Regular1d ago

30k less is real money though. Have you run the numbers on what that means for retirement, college savings, etc? Not saying you made the wrong call, but don't be naive about the long-term financial stuff either.

MMatt W.Regular1d ago

The career impact worry is legit though. Have you thought about how you'd explain this gap if you ever wanted to pivot back to sales? Or is the nonprofit thing becoming what you actually want long-term?

TTony L.Regular1d ago

This resonates hard. I took a step back from my marketing director role when my daughter was born (she's 3 now). People act like I retired or something. But honestly? I'm MORE fulfilled doing slightly less stressful work. The twins at 18 months change SO fast - you're not going to get that time back. Your dad will come around when he sees how happy you actually are.

PPete L.Regular1d ago

Honestly the fact that you're aware you were "in the same house but didn't know them" shows good self-awareness. That's the trap a lot of us don't even see we're in. Some people would've kept grinding and resented their kids for it. You chose different. That's not naive, that's honest.