So it’s now been just about 8 months since I traded in the daily bus commute and Starbucks for a half-asleep stumble down the stairs and a home brewed, mean cup of joe. During this time I’ve learned a lot about my kids, my family, what being a parent means, and mostly myself. Before this endeavor, I thought I knew just how I was going to prioritize my time. I was wrong.
I don’t know if it’s my focus or priorities, but I’m finding feeling like I did before. I had started off as just another unemployed dad, telling everyone that I watch The Ellen Show all day long while playing with the kids, then shortly after I took the opportunity to make the jump to a self-employed work at home dad. (Yes, I’m also big on labels…). Now I find myself jumping back and forth from working, cleaning and cooking with being a parent/dad noticeably missing from that list.
It doesn’t happen overnight, it just kinda sneaks up on you and you wake up and realize you are squandering an amazing opportunity. If you are at home with your kids, be mindful and don’t fall into the same trap as I have. Who knows how long you’ll be at home with the kids for? I know I’ll need to work again, it’s not a matter of if but when. I don’t want to look back to remember how organized things were. I want to remember lots of moments spent with my boys.