Stressed About Staying Relevant at Work While Being Present

4d ago1 min read

Real talk, I'm struggling with this balance. I'm trying to be the dad who shows up but also the guy who gets promoted. Can't be working at 9pm every night and also coaching my kid's team. Something's gotta give and I feel like it's always gonna be something important no matter what I choose. My boss wants more hours, my kids want my time, my wife is managing both of us basically. Some days I feel like I'm failing at both. Looking for advice from guys who've figured this out because I feel like I'm just white knuckling through life right now.

7 comments166 views

Comments(7)

CCodyNew Dad3d ago

You're not alone in this. I coach my kids' soccer and still have a day job that demands a lot. Some weeks I feel like I'm nailing it, other weeks I feel like I'm barely hanging on.

MMarkRegular2d ago

The stress is real but remember your kids won't grow up thinking 'I wish dad had worked more.' They'll remember if he was there. That's what matters.

DDanielRegular3d ago

Real talk back - it's okay to be good at your job and also be present. You don't have to choose. Some days one wins, some days the other does. That's normal.

CCodyNew Dad3d ago

I found that staying relevant at work actually means being efficient while you're there, then checking out mentally when you're home. Quality over hours. Bosses respect results more than face time anyway.

GGreg M.New Dad4d ago

This is the real conversation nobody wants to have. I'm working nights at the hospital and some days I feel like I'm failing at both jobs. How are you trying to balance it? Curious what's working for you.

RRyan M.New Dad3d ago

This is the real question nobody wants to admit they're struggling with. I work full time too and the guilt of missing stuff at work or missing stuff at home is constant.

DDerekRegular3d ago

The guilt is real. I've had to accept that being present doesn't always mean being there every second. It's about quality when I am there. Your kids will understand more than you think.