FINALLY got the job that doesn't require constant emails after 6pm

Nov 301 min read

Switched companies in October and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it's been 3 months and people actually... log off? My Slack doesn't blow up at 9pm?

Took a small pay cut (maybe 8%) but having actual evenings with the kids has been worth it already. The guilt I felt before was insane - didn't realize how much it was eating me.

For anyone stressed about leaving a high-pressure job: it's worth exploring. You might find something that pays fine and doesn't require your soul.

11 comments392 views

Comments(11)

JJoe C.Regularjust now

This is the kind of post that makes me realize I need to seriously look for a new job. The 8% pay cut is worth it just hearing you describe normal evenings without panic.

HHector R.Regularjust now

Dude, this is huge. An 8% pay cut for actual evenings is maybe the smartest financial decision you can make as a dad. You can't put a price on not having anxiety at 9pm or being actually present with your kids.

SSam T.New Dad7m ago

Three months in - enjoy it while it lasts lol. But seriously, glad you're experiencing what normal work culture should be like. A lot of guys don't realize how much the constant connectivity was eating at them until they stop.

SSteve Q.Regular2h ago

How did you even find a company that respects work-life balance? I feel like this is mythical in most industries.

NNate H.Regular14h ago

Did you have to negotiate the work-life boundaries explicitly or did the company culture just naturally have it? Asking because I'm worried even if I find a better job I'll just default to checking email out of habit.

PPatrick W.Regular1d ago

This is huge. The mental health benefits of actually being present in evenings probably worth way more than 8%. How's your wife feel about the change? Does she notice a difference in your mood?

PPaul M.Regular6h ago

This is the dream scenario. 8% pay cut for actual evenings? I'd do that in a heartbeat. The guilt you mention is real though - I still feel weird when I log off at 6 even though I'm explicitly allowed to.

DDerek P.Regularjust now

Three months in and you haven't gotten that "but actually we need you to be available" email? Lucky. How long were you at your previous place?

KKarl J.Regularjust now

Man I'm jealous. Still waiting for that job. Right now I get Slack notifications at 10pm and it's like a pavlovian anxiety response. The fact that yours actually log off is wild to me.

CCarl S.Regularjust now

The guilt thing resonates. I was doing the constant email thing for years and didn't realize how much mental space it was taking up until I stopped. What industry are you in, if you don't mind? Trying to figure out if there are whole sectors that aren't insane about this.

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DDan W.Regular8h ago

I need this. What industry/role did you switch to? I'm in tech too and the after-hours culture is suffocating.