Just took a pay cut to go part-time. Best decision ever.
Wanted to share because I know a lot of guys struggle with this. I'm 42, been in marketing for 15 years, and was making good money. But I was traveling 2-3 weeks a month and missing everything with my kids (6 and 9).
Had this moment where my daughter asked me if I was coming to her soccer game and I literally couldn't remember what day it was.
Cut to now: I negotiated a 3-day/week arrangement, went from $140k to $95k. It stings, but we could make it work with my wife's income. That was 6 months ago and I don't regret it once. I'm at soccer games. I pick them up from school. I even meal prep on Fridays.
My job is still there. I'm still relevant. But I'm actually present. If anyone's on the fence about this, happy to talk it through.
Been thinking about doing something similar but I'm the primary earner so the thought terrifies me. How'd you handle that pressure? Are you covering healthcare through your wife or did you find something else?