Having babies slowing down career?

Apr 3 71 Comments

Hi guys - this is my first post. I’m a Quant at GS, NYC.

I love my 2 kids but does anyone feel having kids slows down your career? I’ve been thinking of making a move for 2 years, but now with the 2nd kid, I find it impossible to focus on interview prep (sleepless nights, etc). My wife is working too (currently on maternity though).

How did you guys navigate your careers while having babies? I have so far been putting family first since we had the first baby, but hoping to make a move in the next few months. Any tips would be more than welcome.

TC: 450k
YOE: 10 (majority in India)

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TOP 71 Comments
  • No, having kids just made me realize broader view to life than just job, made me become more disciplined with my time management that in turn helped my work-life balance and after going through few nerve wracking health scares of kid, made me lot more resilient and less panicky about releases and production issues, more empathetic toward teams I led. I grew to be a lot better professional to be honest and that in turn helped grow in career as well.
    Apr 3 3
    • Careem
      Twofold

      Go to company page Careem

      BIO
      Twofold
      Sorry Google - I’m there too so your and Schwab’s points are both valid.
      Apr 3
    • Isn't that what Schwab is saying. Get some perspective, what's the big deal I sacrificed a bit of my career for my kids. In 20years I wouldn't care if I was promoted fast enough or have 4M instead of 6M. Everyone in my home is sick at the moment. I just wrote in the slack channel, whoever wants to judge should go ahead. There is more to life than performing on a job.
      It just hits me, what if I lost my wife now, would any of these effort be worth it. Can't say the same about my job. Worse case I change.
      Apr 8
  • Put your family on a PIP.
    Apr 3 7
  • Amazon
    Amazingian

    Go to company page Amazon

    Amazingian
    My career is to be able to support my family that I love, family is what matters, career is a tool not a goal
    Apr 3 3
  • Cisco
    PythonDude

    Go to company page Cisco

    PythonDude
    Get your in-laws over here to help you. Man needs to do manly stuff like earn big bucks. Can't waste talent on changing diapers.
    Apr 3 7
    • Qualcomm
      stelthking

      Go to company page Qualcomm

      stelthking
      Tried that and regretted it . They came here bragging about their abilities , finally I had to take care of my in-laws , an infant and my wife who was battling some postpartum problems . Wasn’t too different with my parents either . Never bringing aged folks from India again .
      Apr 4
    • I am a Dad and I change diapers. It's not about earning big bucks, its about happiness that family brings you. Career is important but sense of belonging, caring is above that.
      3d
  • Nope. I'm a mom of a 6 month old and I just changed jobs to faang. This is while working full-time and going to grad school as well. Its not easy, just takes lot of time management and planning and support from your spouse. Outsource as much as you can and concentrate on the important stuff.
    Apr 3 3
    • New
      IfKc87

      New

      IfKc87
      Same here, I’m a mom to a 6 months old and since his birth I’ve been working on interview prep and I interviewed with a series of company last month, I got offers from ALL of the FAANG that I applied to. I’m also returning to grad school this fall. It is about time management and looking for help in the right places. My hubby is very supportive as well.
      Apr 7
    • Seems like these comments are from Deity herself. Can you explain more how you did it?
      3d