Experiencing the Role Reversal as a Stay-at-Home Dad

Every blossoming family dreams of an opportunity to have a parent stay home and care for the incredible responsibilities of raising children. However, I never expected that I would be the one to fulfill that role as I became a first time father.

The decision was a natural fit for us as my wife's career had taken a turn for the upside, both by design and good fortune. Meanwhile, I was working as a food server in an upscale dining establishment. For those who have had the pleasure of a steak and lobster dinner accompanied with a fine bottle of wine, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that the glorified waiter can do pretty well for himself. But at the end of the day, my income was at a relative ceiling and fluctuated from the good times to the ugly days of not having enough hungry customers.

A year and a half has passed by and I don’t miss my old identity.

My daughter arrived into this world and as any first time father would proclaim, those early days were a blur. The usual lack of sleep, general shock of seeing my own child in front of me, and concerns of any possible dangers apply to us all. But I had additional comfort in knowing that my job encompasses this wondrous project before me.

Instead of serving flambé desserts, I could now serve my own family and our home transitioned from the newly married to the obvious statements that a child lives here. Believe me, a new baby arrives with plenty of work to keep anyone busy.

As I look back on the journey that has gotten me this far, I don’t think that this position is gender specific. Just like any other workplace, this job is what you make out of it.