The challenge of managing a career alongside raising children has historically been called "a mother's challenge."
At least from where I stand, that's no longer true.
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I have a dream.
In the dream, I'm submerged way over my head in building some cloud infrastructure — reading the fine print of documentation, learning about protocols, designing systems — with no idea where I am or what time it is.
In the dream, I'm putting out the fire burning inside me with buckets of creativity, endless learning, and professional growth, with no ceiling in sight.
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That dream is usually interrupted by the to-do list that my prince and two princesses diligently replenish around the clock.
Drop off at daycare, pick up from daycare, cook, bathe, get out the toys, put away the toys, put them to bed, wake them up, and so on.
I share these tasks with my wife, of course — but they are absolutely my tasks too.
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I don't believe raising children is something a man should "help with."
The children are the privilege of both parents, and both parents share that privilege equally.
I'm certain that kids take a significant toll on our career development as parents, and it is absolutely worth it — so there's no reason to complain.
If there's one thing I understand anew every day when I hug them, it's this: even if I reach the top of the world, they will still be the only real reason to get up for it every morning.
In the photo:
Me posing with a trash can 🙃