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- I quit my dream job to be a stay-at-home dad, while my wife works full time. It’s the best arrangement for us. (businessinsider.com)
Stay-at-Home Dad: Best Decision Ever?
Last year, I traded in my reporter’s notepad for sippy cups, becoming a full-time, stay-at-home dad. While it wasn’t an easy decision to leave my dream job in healthcare journalism, it’s been one of the best choices our family has ever made.
For years, my wife (a physician assistant) and I juggled demanding careers while raising two young children. I loved my work, but the constant struggle to balance deadlines with pediatrician appointments and sick days was taking its toll.
Even before our second child was born, the pandemic forced me into the dual role of full-time editor and full-time caregiver while my wife worked on the front lines. That experience offered a preview of the challenges to come.
Relocating to Atlanta and a new job as a medical reporter brought new opportunities, but also increased pressure. Despite my wife’s slightly improved work schedule, the unpredictable nature of family life meant I was constantly on call for school pickups, sick days, and everything in between.
I found myself juggling phone interviews with doctor visits and squeezing in writing assignments between snacks and playtime. Something had to give.
After much deliberation, my wife and I decided I would step back from my career. The change has been transformative.
I can now fully focus on my children’s needs, whether it’s a trip to the doctor or simply spending quality time together. Household chores, meal preparation, and family time are no longer squeezed into stolen moments.
While leaving the security of a full-time job after nearly a decade was daunting, seven months into this new chapter, I can confidently say it’s been worth it. There’s no going back.