How do you guys handle staying late at work when you have kids

Feb 26·1 min read

There's this big project coming up and I know I'm going to need to put in some extra hours. My wife works full time too so it's not like I can just stay til 8pm without it affecting everything. How do you balance this stuff? Do you just accept that some weeks are gonna be crazy? My oldest asked me this morning why I had to leave so early and before I get back it's already his bedtime. This is the part of being a working dad that actually sucks.

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Comments(4)

TTravis N.RegularFeb 28

It's tough because you want to step up for work but you also don't want to miss the stuff at home. I've learned to communicate early with my wife so we can plan around it instead of her finding out last minute.

BBrandonNew DadFeb 27

The key is making sure it's temporary. If it's going to stretch on for months, that's a different conversation. But a few weeks of longer hours? That's just part of the job sometimes.

BBrianRegularFeb 27

Just had this conversation with my boss actually. I told him I'd do the extra hours but I needed to know the timeline upfront so I could plan. Kids' bedtimes are non-negotiable but I can usually find the hours after that.

PPaul K.New DadFeb 27

Be honest with your wife about what's coming. Nothing worse than her thinking you're bailing on family time when really you're just swamped. A heads up makes all the difference.