Other SMs or Partners with 2 or more kids under 3 (or any age for that matter), how do you do it? Struggling to stay above water with the little ones schedules, back to back meetings, work deliverables, emails, etc. Any words of wisdom or encouragement?

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I left consulting because my physical, mental and emotional well being was tanking.

I guess people in consulting with high stress leave their kids in full time daycare, full time nanny or parents help or all 3

A friend of mine pays $6500 per month to Nannie’s to take care of his 2 kids - newborn and toddler

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It’s for 2 full time Nannie’s working full time(8 hrs/day for 22 working days in a month) to take care of 2 new born kids, each nanny gets paid $20/hour , if you do the math it’s not crazy. One nanny makes around $3500 per month and not $6500

I have 2 kids under 3 and a spouse in a high stress job. Short answer, most of us haven’t figured it out and are struggling just as much. We get you, but most people don’t.

I have spoken to other partners but most of them had kids while their spouse stayed at home and they had parents living nearby to help. Honestly, in my case, my health and my home have taken a hit. I have ignored my health and just had my first small scare as a result. I have also ignored my home and have paid dearly in repairs and other things that I could have prevented with timely maintenance, which I have no time to do.

My kids are loved, and well taken care of, but my spouse and I are struggling to find ways to get fulfillment out of the other parts of our lives.

Part of me is happy with the fact that at least I chose what to prioritize rather than letting it happen to me.

My 3yo is getting easier to manage if that’s any encouragement. I’m hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime I’m trying my best to enjoy the ride and make the best memories and experiences I can.

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Same as so many here. Came here to say I support and empathize OP. Wife is at home, but it’s still not easy street. She’s got career aspirations of her own, which can cause some stress. Kids need both parents and I’m constantly worried that the only side of me they know is the stressed out grouch who surfaces once a day to eat before returning to his cave. Like others say it takes a toll - but I think it’s not just consulting… American work ethic is screwed up and the current economic climate is exacerbating it. OP there is hope! Look at how many of us are here with you. We need to start talking about this problem or this forum will be the only Dad-vice we get to give. Kids need dads… not talking wallets

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Agree totally that it’s not just consulting. I speak to friends who tell me about their industry jobs and they are working nights, odd schedules, or have to be in the office downtown 5 days a week with a 1 hr commute each way - and if they must leave early to pick up kids then they have to log on every night. Doesn’t feel that different from my situation right now.

I’m so glad you posted this OP. Exactly how I’ve been feeling as well. No great answers or advice here. Daycare helps a lot and my wife takes on a lot of the burden but I can’t help but feel like I’m just barely skating by at work and at home. Will need to make a change at some point but not sure what that looks like yet.

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I get it. Some people decide how many kids they want because of their own experience. I know people who want a lot of kids because they grew up in big families, but also know others who only want 1 or 2 for the same exact reason (they had more siblings and faced pains like cramming 6 people into a hotel room, hand me downs, etc.). We all see the world differently so it’s a very personal decision.

Best of luck growing your family.

I have a 5 yo and 3 yo. The last couple of years were absolute hell. Constantly worried that I wasn't performing at work (I really wasn't) while also finding/providing childcare for the kids. My wife and I had to stagger our work hours to care for the kids and had to work nights to catch up. It sucks but has gotten way better now that they're in school full time. Still stresses us out when I have to travel.

My advice, if you're not already doing it, find a full time nanny or put them in a Montessori. Your kids need the stimulation and you guys need a break. It's not helping anyone to stress the hell out. If you have the luxury of working from home, block off a couple of hours in the daytime to do whatever upkeep, self care or errands you need. You are not going to get stuff done after work hours. Personally, I try to go to the gym for at least 1 hr a day, 4 days a week. Weekends are dedicated to my family.

5 kids here all 2 years apart. To be fair, I couldn’t manage without my wife. Managing the kids schedule is a full time job.

That said, post-Covid I’ve been much more active turning down work in order to focus on family. I have a few years before partner and this decision is likely lengthening that, but I’ve come to terms with that.

Have a 6 year old and a 10 month old. We only survive because my wife stays home full time. Honestly unless you have hired help or your partner stays home, this job makes it not feasible long term.

Basically all the other dads I know doing this job have a stay-at-home spouse or full-time help. I hear you — it’s really painful, and I haven’t figured it out yet.

We hired a very part-time ‘nanny’ (6 hours a week) to come three nights a week during dinner and bedtime. A lot of folks post that they want a nanny who is there for the kids — we posted that we want a nanny that is there for us, so we can be there for the kids. She makes and cleans up from dinner, does laundry (and puts it away), and cleans up toys, etc. if need be, she’ll tap in for bath or bedtime.

It means that at 7/730pm after dinner, I can sit down for a few minutes before going back to work, and neither my wife nor I have to spend the rest of the night cleaning up and getting the kids ready for the next day. It’s made a huge difference and isn’t a crazy expense.

I will say — my older son is approaching 3, and it’s gotten way easier (we had 2 under 2 and it was total chaos).

I got 5 kids... I can give you some tips to manage.. DM me

My wife stays at home. That helps a ton

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