I Was Happy When I Was SAHD!

Sometimes the most meaningful promotions don’t come with a title or a paycheck.

I grew up surrounded by families with traditional, stereotypical roles. Like many, I followed the expected path, a corporate career, climbing the ladder, chasing the next title.

For nearly 8 years, my wife and I managed a long-distance relationship because of our careers. I was working in Mexico, flying back home to Houston every weekend. Then we learned we were expecting our first child! And suddenly, everything shifted.

There was a big decision in front of us.. not just how to end our long-distance arrangement, but how to nurture this new life without any family help.

To my own surprise, I felt more excited about becoming a stay-at-home-dad (SAHD) than about my corporate goals. I decided to take a break from work to be a full-time parent.

Of course, the doubts crept in, financial worries, societal expectations, and my own insecurities. But something inside me felt deeply at peace with that choice.

When our son was born, it was the most incredible experience. Some days were exhausting, but the joy and energy I got from caring for him were beyond words.

People would ask, “What do you do at home all day?” or “Don’t you miss work?”

Only I knew how fulfilling it was to nurture this little human.

After a year and a half, I decided to return to work, only to face questions about the “gap” in my career. Many interviewers brushed off my SAHD experience and focused only on corporate achievements. After several rejections and lowball offers, I eventually went back to the corpo-rat-race.

But life had other plans. When our second child was born, we again faced that same crossroad. And once more, I chose to pause my career and be home.

Those two “stay-at-home” chapters, each about 18 months, were not just fulfilling, they were transformational. They taught me more about patience, leadership, project management, attention to detail, and love than any corporate role ever could.

I worked for the most demanding bosses. Tiny humans with round cheeks, loud voices, and endless requests. My performance reviews came daily in the form of smiles and hugs. My bonus? Pure love.

I don’t call this a break in my career... I call it a shift in my work and my mindset.

Because nurturing a child, shaping a home, and showing up with love every day is meaningful work too.

That period gave me a mind shift, realizing that while career growth matters, it’s meaningless without clarity and purpose.

I’m not suggesting everyone should do the same. But if you ever feel a strong pull to step back and nurture life and you are financially able to, trust that instinct. Don’t let societal judgment or fear of “falling behind” stop you.

Did it affect my career? Yes.

Did I fall behind my peers? Absolutely.

Do I regret it? NOT AT ALL!

Would I do it again? 100%