I'm running an AI startup which means I weigh 200lb and work crazy hours. The only thing giving me balance right now is my family.
Many evenings, I have to weigh up dinner with customers or playing with my 5 month old girl. I have two older kids from a prior relationship and I made the wrong decision every single time.
My father was the same too. He was a blue collar mechanic who had to work all evening just to put food on our table.
This shaped my view on masculinity. I thought being a father (and a man) meant I have to be a strong role model by working hard.
I didn't know when to stop. I didn't know how to stop.
I was on a plane every 2 weeks expanding my startup. It took selling the company to realize I had been caught in a generational trap. Now I can never get that time back.
Even though my older kids say I'm the best dad they could have, I missed so many milestones in pursuit of growth at all cost. Looking back, this is one of those lessons that turned a bad situation into something better.
Thankfully, I get another chance and haven't missed a single night since my baby girl was born.
If you're a dad and founder and have to trade changing diapers with growing your startup, trust me man, it is the most costly mistake you can make. And here's the thing: work-life balance is broken for most of us, but it doesn't have to stay that way.
Our kids grow up way too fast. Don't fall into the same generational trap. The milestones you miss chasing growth can never be recovered.
Your startup can wait. Your investors can wait. But your kids won't stay young forever.
Go home and spend time with your family.
