Career Lessons from the First Two Weeks of Fatherhood
What Becoming a New Dad is Making Me Realise
Hello Everyone!
If you’ve read my piece from last week, you’d know that I’ve recently become a dad.
It’s only been a couple of weeks and I am gradually coming to terms with the ups and downs of parenting but it is, no doubt, a life-changing experience.
Being on paternity leave has given me a chance to reflect on fatherhood, my career and the interplay between the two. It’s weird but these two weeks, whilst having been physically taxing, have allowed my mind to go into deep thoughts and self-reflect a bit.
After all, babies don’t have time for political debates. They just suck, shit and sleep :p.
In these first two weeks, amidst preparing formula milk bottles and changing diapers, I’ve realised a few things.
Here goes….
Patience Is a Superpower
Deadlines and deliverables often create a sense of urgency but fatherhood is the opposite. Rushing rarely solves anything when it comes to babies.
Whether it be putting a baby to sleep or making the baby burp, patience is essential.
Its almost as if I am being forced to manage intense, stressful projects in a calm way.
Paternity leave has reinforced the sense that it’s fine to slow down a bit and focus on the process.
The results tend to follow.
Adaptability Is Key
Parenthood is unpredictable and no amount of preparation can account for every possible scenario. Thus, I am beginning to realise that I am, somehow, sharpening by ability to adapt. I guess I have to.
Adaptability is crucial at work as well of course because, well, project requirements change, budgets get drained, etc.
Taking care of a two week old, though, is another level of unpredictability. It can literally come to the baby pooping at just the wrong place and time :p.
I guess my takeaway here is that I think I’ll go back to work with an enhanced sense of adaptability.
Prioritisation Becomes Simpler
The first days of parenthood have taught me to focus on what truly matters. I now have to prioritise tasks like feeding or simply being present because, well, they are non-negotiable.
I would like this clarity to spill into how I view my career. After all, I have taken some time off and have placed trust in my colleagues to step up for me at work while I’m away.
When I return to work, I will at least try to be more discerning about the tasks that I should focus on and the ones that can be delegated or dealt with at a later date.
In a nutshell, time management is no longer just about efficiency for me; it has now become a need.
The Power of Support Systems
Never in my life has I experienced the kind of exhaustion that I have over the past couple of weeks. Parenting is tough. Having a solid support system - be it family or friends - is essential.
This reminds me of how important teamwork is at the office. I can’t succeed alone. No one can.
When I return to work I’ll make sure I make an effort to foster even stronger support networks among my colleagues.
The past two weeks have brought challenges and rewards. I’ve learnt a lot - lessons that will stay with me both in my career and at home. This period is not only solidifying my bond with my family but also sharpening my perspective as a professional.
Congratulations on becoming a father Naush! So happy for you, and some amazing lessons you've managed to pick up on the way - I hope I have at least half the learnings as you when I become a father. Hope it's all going well for you and your family :)
As always, a really thoughtful and thought-provoking read. And you will get some sleep at some point in the future. Say 4 or 5 years..