The Temporary Job of Fatherhood - How to Show Up Before Time Runs Out

Episode 171 - The Temporary Job of Fatherhood - How to Show Up Before Time Runs Out

Jobs come and go, but your family is the one role that outlasts them all—yet it’s often the first thing we neglect. In this raw conversation, we confront the uncomfortable truth: The years when your kids need you most are also the years you’re grinding hardest at work. How do you balance being present now while still providing for the future? We’ll share actionable strategies to reprioritize without guilt, plus stories from dads who learned the hard way.

1. The Reality Check: Time Is a Thief

• The paradox of fatherhood: We spend more time at work than with our kids during their formative years.
• Hard stats: The average dad spends 37 minutes/day in "quality time" with his children (source: https://www.bls.gov/tus/)

Why Work Will Never Love You Back

• The myth of “I’ll hustle now, relax later”: Companies lay off loyal employees; kids remember broken promises.
• Reframing “providing”: Financial stability matters, but emotional presence is irreplaceable.
• Exercise for listeners: Write your own eulogy. What do you want your kids to say about you?

Practical Ways to Reprioritize (Without Quitting Your Job)

• The 5-Minute Rule: Start small—ask each kid one intentional question daily (e.g., “What made you proud today?”).
• Calendar blocking: Treat family time like a CEO meeting—non-negotiable.
• Delegate or eliminate: Audit your tasks. Can you outsource, automate, or drop low-value work?
• Tech boundaries: No phones during meals or bedtime routines. Period.

Being the Example You Want to Set

• Kids mimic what they see: If you’re always stressed about work, they’ll learn to equate success with burnout.
• Vulnerability wins: Admit when you’re tired or wrong. It teaches resilience.
• Legacy > LinkedIn: Your kids won’t care about your job title—they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Listener Challenge

• This week: Sacrifice one work task for a family moment (e.g., leave early for ice cream).
• Long-term: Plan a quarterly “dad audit” to assess work-life balance.

Why This Works for Your Audience:

• Emotional hook: Addresses the guilt/shame many dads feel but don’t discuss.
• Actionable steps: Small, realistic changes prevent overwhelm.
• Community-building: Encourage listeners to share their wins/struggles in your Facebook group or via voicemail.

“A man’s greatest achievement isn’t the size of his paycheck—it’s the depth of his relationships.”

___

https://dadspace.ca

music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270