First, congrats! This is a great celebration and a time of joy and reflection on life itself.
Second, it will be one of the greatest challenges of your life but totally worth it.
I have been working in web development and film/video production while raising two kids. Here are a few bullet points.
don't let work get in the way of time with kids and family. They really do grow up fast and the old saying "the days are long but the years are short" is very true.
you may not be able to do it all but do the best that you can and try to enjoy every moment.
when you "clock out" put away your phone and computer and just hang and rest and rejuvenate with your family. That will help you balance and decrease burnout.
I have never been more tired in my life and it seems to be never ending. but my kids are now older and things have evened out. The phase you are in will not last forever. Just keep moving forward and appreciate the small things.
Take it one day at a time. Each day take time for yourself, time for your family, time with just your wife and time for work and even continued learning. Break it into daily manageable chunks and before you know it you will be running smooth on all cylinders.
you can definitely balance the two you will just need to give yourself time to adjust.
working remotely is the best case scenario. You can be there for your wife and daughter when needed, you can take a break to be with the baby and give your wife a break, then jump back into work. Again, this is the best case scenario. As your daughter gets older you will need to set clear boundaries about when you are working and when you are not. This is something I still have to reiterate to my kids, that they have to respect the boundaries and let daddy work.
I will say again, if you are like me, you will be so freaking tired it will be overwhelming. Make sleep a priority and just take it one day at at time, enjoy your family, enjoy your work and don't take things too seriously. Parenting is full of ups and downs not matter how you look at it. Going with the flow and having a sense of humor will help you. Allowing time for yourself, time alone with your wife, time with your daughter and then work. And believe it or not, work actually becomes a respite from the demands of family and parenting. A necessary and welcome one to pay the bills. I assume you like your job, so this is amazing. You get to work out of your house, in a job you enjoy, which allows you to reset yourself before jumping back into family and parenting.
I will end with another congrats and a good luck. You can do it and it will be amazing!!
Hey John,
First, congrats! This is a great celebration and a time of joy and reflection on life itself.
Second, it will be one of the greatest challenges of your life but totally worth it.
I have been working in web development and film/video production while raising two kids. Here are a few bullet points.
I will end with another congrats and a good luck. You can do it and it will be amazing!!
Wow! Thank you so much for the detailed reply. I've never heard this: "The days are long and the years are short" 😢 Makes tons of sense.
Interesting how work can be a "respite" makes tons of sense.
Yes, putting things away after clocking out is a good one. Already starting to practice that coming close to leave.
Thanks again ✌️
You got this John!! It is a wild journey, but one worth taking. All the best.